- Manchester City moved a step closer to completing a historic treble after beating Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final
- Ilkay Gundogan was the hero as he netted his side’s two goals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday
Manchester City moved a step closer to completing a historic treble after beating Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
City captain Ilkay Gundogan was the hero as he netted his side’s two goals at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. The Germany international entered the history books by scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup final history, crashing home a stunning volley 12 seconds after kickoff. He added his second of the day a few minutes after the start of the second half.
Manchester City are on the brink of treble with FA Cup win. Photo/ Sky News.
Manchester United’s only goal was scored by Bruno Fernandes. The Red Devils were seeking to win both domestic cups in the same season for the first time while trying to stop the Cytizens from winning the treble this year.
Having already won the English Premier League title, Manchester City go into next Saturday’s Champions League final in Istanbul with a big chance to emulate United’s feat of 1999. The Cytizens will be facing Inter Milan and are now just 90 minutes away from completing the greatest season in their history.
How Manchester City Beat United In FA Cup Final
Wembley was decked in red and sky blue on Saturday as Manchester United and Manchester City were clashing for silverware for the first time in 190 meetings.
Many fans were still taking their seats after the pre-match hullaballoo of fireworks, flags and flares when Manchester City opened the scoring. Ilkay Gundogan produced a classic FA Cup moment, scoring a stunning volley after just 12 seconds.
A long ball from keeper Stefan Ortega was won by Erling Haaland and Gundogan didn’t hesitate to seize upon the lose ball from 12 yards. The 32-year-old midfielder produced shades of Zinedine Zidane’s famous Champions League final goal at Hampden Park in 2002.
David De Gea just watched as the ball went into the top left corner. Gundogan’s goal eclipsed the previous fastest FA Cup final goal, which was scored by Louis Saha after 25 seconds for Everton against Chelsea.
Pep Guardiola’s side threatened to run riot after the goal and United were under a lot of pressure of the relentless press by City. The Red Devils barely touched the ball in the first five minutes, with Jack Grealish and Rodri failing to convert good chances.
Erik ten Hag’s side would later get into the game but there was little evidence to foresee an equalizer until a VAR check awarded them a penalty. Aaron was Bissaka headed a diagonal ball which hit Grealish’s arm while in an unnatural position.
Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty in the 33rd minute to bring United back into the game. Manchester City remained focus after the restart and their efforts bore fruit in the 51st minute when Gundogan met De Bruyne’s free-kick from outside the box. His effort bounced through a crowded United box past David de Gea.
Ilkay Gundogan scored a brace for Manchester City in the FA Cup final. Photo/ Sporting News.
Gundogan thought he had scored a hat-trick a few minutes later but his goal was ruled offside. Alejandro Garnacho brought chaos in City’s defense after replacing Christian Eriksen but he was unlucky not to score. The Cytizens held onto their lead until the end of the match.
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