FA Cup title against United, Manchester City still in contention for historic treble

Manchester City are just one step away from a historic hat-trick. Already champions of England, the Cityzens won a second title this season by dominating Manchester United in the FA Cup final (2-1), Saturday June 3, at Wembley (London). In the event of victory in the Champions League final on Saturday June 10 against Inter Milan, Pep Guardiola’s men would achieve the second hat-trick in the history of English football … after their opponent of the day in 1999.

On the strength of a very good end to the season with four straight wins and a final third place in the Premier League, Manchester United had arguments to oppose to the Skyblues despite the absence of Frenchman Anthony Martial and Brazilian Antony. But few clubs can claim to compete with Manchester City this season. All the more so when, behind its two stars Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, stands out a third major man: Ilkay Gündogan.

13 seconds to open the scoring

The German scored his tenth and eleventh goals of the season in all competitions to give his club a seventh FA Cup. He first opened the scoring with an instant volley from the right after just thirteen seconds of play (1-0), the fastest goal in Cup final history. He then gave the advantage to his own with a volley, from the left this time, on receiving a corner from Kevin De Bruyne (2-1, 51′).

Meanwhile, Bruno Fernandes had equalized on a penalty, following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka (1-1, 33rd), giving hope to the Red Devils of a second double after the League Cup (the February 26 against Newcastle, 2-0). In injury time, Scott McTominay almost sent the two teams into extra time in a confused situation.

Opponent of Manchester City in the Champions League final next Saturday in Istanbul (Turkey), Inter Milan has been warned: Pep Guardiola’s players will play to make history.