And so the Manchester City project reached a kind of fulfillment with the UEFA Champions League secured in Istanbul to complete an historic treble.
Pep Guardiola’s Cityzens had already claimed the Premier League and the FA Cup (against local rivals United) but it was the UCL that must have been the ultimate prize for their UAE ownership.
They were strong favourites going into the clash with Inter at the Ataturk Olympic Stadium and though they were under severe pressure at times City held on to a one-goal advantage to lift the trophy.
Going into the game and based on valuations alone City had about twice the quality of their Italian counterparts and a squad strength the envy of just about everyone.
However, Inter certainly played above their anticipated level with Borella, Dimarco, and captain Brozovic endeavouring to hold their own against world-class midfield opposition.
They were also not slow to get stuck into the likes of Grealish and Bernardo Silva.
All that served to pause the usual City passing machine though chances did eventually fall especially to Haaland and Foden (on for the very unlucky De Bruyne)
At the other end Brazilian Ederson, after a somewhat shaky start, had to be sharp to thwart Lautaro and substitute Romelu Lukaku.
In fact, the Belgian striker almost found the equaliser in the final chaotic moments.
But for many, even though Simone Inzaghi’s side had overperformed, that would have been an injustice (not that football is always fair)
So it was from a deflected cross that Spaniard Rodri drove home the winner in the 68th minute to complete Pep’s mission.
Who knows if the Catalan coach will stay at the Etihad, perhaps to attempt an encore, but he definitely now has legendary status.
Whatever happens, the City project will roll on and they will be favourites for all the competitions they enter, including the FIFA Club World Cup.
Unless of course, some ruling from off the pitch stymies their progress.
Report from Istanbul – John Bethell
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