WEBDESK: Manchester City won their first UEFA Super Cup after defeating Sevilla in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in Athens on Wednesday.
In the first half, Youssef En-Nesyri’s spectacular header gave Spain the lead, setting the stage for a fierce duel. Manchester City struggled in the Greek sun despite being European champions. However, Cole Palmer’s header revived City’s chances, requiring a thrilling penalty shootout.
Manchester City won the shootout 5-4 with immaculate penalty shots and calm. City took the lead when Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj shot hit the crossbar.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola criticised his team’s lack of pre-season training, which showed in their performance. The creative hole left by injured and unwell playmakers Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva was felt on the pitch.
De Bruyne’s four-month hamstring injury layoff worsened the absence of Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez since the previous season. West Ham’s Brazilian sensation Lucas Paqueta may join Manchester City, thus this encounter underscored the need for reinforcement before the transfer window ends.
Sevilla, who started their La Liga campaign with a disappointing home loss to Valencia, showed their resilience by winning the Europa League despite a disappointing league finish.
Sevilla custodian Yassine Bounou excelled in his likely final encounter before joining Al Hilal. Bounou’s acrobatic save stopped Nathan Ake’s thunderous header to give Manchester City an early lead.
Both teams tried hard, but Manchester City’s grit won the penalty shootout. Guardiola’s team showed they could win under duress.
