Manchester City took a significant step towards achieving the treble as Ilkay Gundogan’s brace led them to a 2-1 victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final.
The match got off to an electrifying start as Gundogan volleyed City into the lead just 12 seconds after kickoff, surpassing Louis Saha’s previous record for the fastest goal in an FA Cup final (25 seconds in the 2009 final).
United initially struggled to cope with City’s dominance but managed to stay in the game and equalized when Jack Grealish was penalized for handball, as detected by VAR, after blocking an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross. Bruno Fernandes converted the subsequent penalty to level the score.
City regained their advantage when Kevin De Bruyne found Gundogan on the edge of the box, and the German midfielder calmly controlled the ball before volleying it into the net for his second goal of the game, catching David de Gea off guard.
Gundogan was denied a hat-trick by an offside flag, and in the dying moments of the game, United came close to an equalizer, with Raphael Varane’s effort striking the top of the crossbar during a chaotic scramble.
Pep Guardiola’s side now prepares to face Inter Milan in the Champions League final next Saturday, with a chance to become only the second team, after United in 1999, to achieve the Premier League, FA Cup, and European Cup treble.
Glorious Gundogan’s Impact Puts City on the Verge of Greatness
The match had barely kicked off when Gundogan produced a moment of magic that will be etched in FA Cup history. Taking advantage of a long ball won by Erling Haaland, Gundogan pounced on the loose ball from 25 yards out, delivering a sensational volley reminiscent of Zinedine Zidane’s iconic Champions League final goal at Hampden Park.
United found themselves under immense pressure from City’s relentless pressing, but Haaland, who caused problems for Varane throughout the game, curled his effort wide. De Bruyne followed suit with a long-range attempt that missed the mark.
Despite City’s early dominance, United found a way back into the game through a penalty awarded for Grealish’s handball as he attempted to block a cross with his arm. Fernandes confidently dispatched the penalty after a stuttering run-up. Victor Lindelof appeared to be struck by an object from the crowd during the celebrations but avoided serious injury.
City remained focused after the break, displaying their trademark ball retention and quality. The breakthrough came in the 51st minute, courtesy of Gundogan’s prowess on the big stage. Meeting De Bruyne’s free-kick with precision, Gundogan unleashed a low, cutting strike that found its way through a crowd of players and beyond De Gea’s reach.
Despite having limited possession, United capitalized on their opportunities when the dynamic Alejandro Garnacho was introduced, injecting vitality into their attacks. Garnacho came agonizingly close to equalizing with a curling effort from 20 yards out, while Marcus Rashford narrowly missed the target with a powerful strike.
In stoppage time, there was one final moment of drama as Varane’s looping header hit the crossbar, and Scott McTominay couldn’t convert the loose ball.
This triumph in the FA Cup puts City on the brink of achieving an extraordinary treble, while United’s status as the only team to have accomplished this feat is now in doubt. United will be relying on Inter Milan to do them a favor in the Champions League final on June 10 in Istanbul.
Pep Guardiola: Champions League Victory is Essential
Speaking after the match, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges posed by United. He emphasized the need to win the Champions League to gain the recognition the team deserves, highlighting the incredible achievements they have already attained.
Guardiola also touched upon Gundogan’s future, mentioning their close friendship and the player’s exceptional abilities. He hopes that Gundogan’s impressive form continues as they approach the final stages of the season.
Ten Hag Refrains from Criticizing De Gea
In contrast, Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag chose not to dwell on criticism and instead praised the team’s overall performance throughout the season, including that of goalkeeper David de Gea. Ten Hag emphasized that the difference in the FA Cup final ultimately determined the outcome, with City securing the victory.
As he watched City lift the trophy, Ten Hag highlighted the importance of feeling motivated and using the experience as fuel for future success. He emphasized the need for the team to seize opportunities and take the necessary steps to achieve their goals in the upcoming season.
