Manchester City emerged victorious in a thrilling penalty shootout against Manchester United to claim the Community Shield at Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, Manuel Akanji converted the decisive penalty to secure a 7-6 triumph for the Citizens.
Akanji’s redemption came after his penalty miss in Switzerland’s Euro 2020 quarterfinal loss to England. This time, he displayed nerves of steel, sending his spot-kick down the middle and under the bar.
City’s victory ended a three-match losing streak in the Community Shield, a traditional curtain-raiser to the English soccer season. Pep Guardiola’s team had previously fallen to Leicester, Liverpool, and Arsenal in the past three years.
The match was a tale of two halves. United dominated the first half, but City came out stronger in the second. Alejandro Garnacho gave United the lead in the 82nd minute, but Bernardo Silva equalized for City in the 89th.
The game went straight to penalties, with both teams converting their first six attempts. Jadon Sancho’s miss for United gave City the advantage, and Akanji stepped up to seal the victory.
City’s triumph was a bittersweet moment for United, who fielded a near-full-strength team. The Red Devils were looking to avenge their FA Cup final loss to City just 77 days ago.
Despite missing several key players due to the Euro 2024 final, City showed their resilience and determination. Ruben Dias, who captained the team, expressed his delight at starting the season with a trophy.
Pep Guardiola has now won 18 trophies with City, including three Community Shields. The Spaniard praised his team’s performance, acknowledging that there is still room for improvement.
