English Premier League’s 2022/23 European treble winning side Manchester City added yet another trophy in their ever increasing cabinet as they beat Sevilla 5-4 on penalties to win UEFA Super Cup 2023 at Greece. The Super Cup did not have extra-time this year and after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, spot kicks decided the result.
Even though Pep Guardiola’s side looked far from their best, they will be happy to win the first trophy of 2023/24 season. Manchester City somewhat had an unstable defense at times that looked vulnerable to fierce Sevilla counter-attacks.
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It was only through a counter-attacking display that the Sevillistas took the lead. The 25th minute (opening) goal, started by Goalkeeper Yassine Bono, met left-back Marcos Acuna, who dipped in a dangerous cross for lone striker Youssef En Nesyri and the Moroccan made no mistakes to find the back of the net.
Manchester City Vs Sevilla talking points and highlights
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Sevilla had City at the palm of their hands for most of the 90 minutes despite the latter club dominating possession by 75-25%. It was finally in the 63rd minute that Manchester City broke Sevilla’s narrow defensive structure and equalized the scoring.
A cross from from Rodri intended for Erling Haaland was eventually headed in by City’s academy star Cole Palmer. The 21-year-old versatile attacking midfielder operated from the right-wing, has had a tremendous start to the new season.
10 Days ago at Wembley, Palmer curled in a Worldie against Arsenal in City’s 4-1 Community Shield loss on penalties. He might have been on the losing side at London but his effort against Sevilla saved the Cityzens at Athens.
With no extra-time on offer, it was down to the penalties. Erling Haaland, Julian Alvarez, Mateo Kovacic, Kyle Walker and Jack Grealish converted their penalties while Lucas Ocampos, Rafa Mir, Ivan Rakitic, Gonzalo Montiel scoring for Sevilla with the only exception to not score being Center back Nemanja Gudlej.
Cole Palmer became the man of the match for his comeback goal and up next Manchester City will welcome Newcastle United this weekend for the first Premier League game of 2023/24 at Etihad Stadium.
