Manchester City has won its first UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on penalties (1-1, 5-4 p.s.o.) on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, near the capital of Greece, Athens.
With this new disappointment, Sevilla FC loses a Super Cup final for the sixth time, following their last victory against Barcelona in 2006 with a score of three goals to zero. Despite putting up a fight, Sevilla FC will have regrets after allowing Manchester City to equalize and eventually lose in the shootout.
Sevilla FC took the lead through Moroccan striker Youssef El-Nesiry in the 25th minute. The score remained unchanged until the end of the first half, despite English champions Manchester City dominating the game. In the second half, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola changed his tactics, which paid off in the 63rd minute when new signing Cole Palmer scored to bring both teams level, assisted by Rodri.
Since the rules for this final did not allow for extra time, the match went straight to a penalty shootout. Manchester City converted all five of their penalties, with Halland, Julian Alvarez, Mateo Kovacic, Jack Grealish, and Kyle Walker finding the back of the net. On the Sevilla side, only Gudelj hit the post, while his teammates Lucas Ocampos, Rafa Mir, Ivan Rakitic, and Gabriel Montriel successfully converted their penalties. With this fourth title for Manchester City, the season is off to a perfect start as they await the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup.
Maki Barack Patrick
