In a thrilling all-Manchester final at Wembley, Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan etched his name in FA Cup history by scoring the fastest goal ever in a cup final, finding the back of the net just 13 seconds into the game.
NAIROBI, KENYA | NOW THEN DIGITAL — Manchester City’s captain, Ilkay Gundogan, etched his name in FA Cup history as he scored the fastest goal ever in a cup final, finding the net just 13 seconds into the match.
This early strike propelled Pep Guardiola’s side to a crucial 2-1 victory over their rivals, Manchester United, at Wembley Stadium.
The win secured the 2023 FA Cup title for Manchester City and brought them within one win of achieving a historic Treble.
With the FA Cup triumph, City now sets its sights on an even more illustrious prize, the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan on June 10. A victory in the final would mark City’s first-ever triumph in Europe’s premier club competition and emulate United’s historic treble feat from 1999.
City Takes the Lead, United Equalizes
Taking advantage of their strong start, the Premier League champions wasted no time in asserting their dominance. Gundogan’s volley into the top corner from the kick-off gave City the lead.
However, Manchester United managed to level the score just past the half-hour mark through a penalty awarded via VAR for a handball committed by Jack Grealish.
Bruno Fernandes calmly converted the spot-kick, ensuring that the teams went into halftime on even terms.
Gundogan’s Brilliance Secures Victory
In the second half, the match became more evenly contested, but it was Gundogan who once again proved to be the difference-maker.
With a partially unsighted David De Gea in goal, Gundogan struck a sublime volley from 25 yards, restoring City’s lead in the 51st minute.
Despite United’s efforts, including chances from Marcus Rashford, substitute Alejandro Garnacho, and Raphael Varane, they couldn’t find the equalizer. City’s victory in the FA Cup final completed a remarkable domestic Double.
Pursuing Champions League Glory
With the FA Cup triumph behind them, Manchester City will now focus their attention on the upcoming Champions League final against Inter Milan on June 10.
The club aims to clinch their first-ever title in Europe’s premier competition, emulating Manchester United’s iconic Treble achievement in 1999.
The FA Cup final between the two Manchester teams marked a significant moment in the competition’s history, particularly for the City faithful.
Guardiola’s Success and City’s Ambitions
Pep Guardiola’s managerial prowess was once again on display as he became only the third manager in English football history to win the League and FA Cup Double in multiple seasons, following in the footsteps of Arsene Wenger and Alex Ferguson.
Guardiola’s arrival at Manchester City was driven by the desire to conquer the Champions League, and with the team’s recent performances, including the addition of Erling Haaland, the players are on the cusp of achieving something extraordinary.
Gundogan’s Milestones and Record-Breaking Goal
Ilkay Gundogan’s sensational goal in the FA Cup final not only set the tone for the match but also etched his name in the record books. His strike after just 13 seconds surpassed Louis Saha’s previous record of 25 seconds for Everton against Chelsea in 2009.
Additionally, this historic final saw both starting captains, Gundogan and Bruno Fernandes, find the back of the net, a first in FA Cup final history.
Manchester City’s success in the FA Cup final not only secured their second domestic Double but also denied Erik ten Hag and his Manchester United side the opportunity to achieve a cup double. The victory has put City in a prime position to pursue their dream of a Treble, a feat that has proven elusive in the past.
The team’s celebrations were accompanied by Erling Haaland’s rallying cry for “one more,” as the realization of something rare and special dawns upon them.
With their sights set on the Champions League final against Inter Milan, Manchester City appears unstoppable.
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