Manchester City emerged victorious against their city rivals, Manchester United, at Wembley to secure the FA Cup title and take a significant stride towards achieving the Treble.
The Premier League champions wasted no time in taking the lead, with Ilkay Gundogan scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup final history after just 13 seconds. Seizing on a loose ball, Gundogan volleyed it into the net, leaving both sets of fans stunned.
City dominated the first half, leaving United players struggling to keep up. However, during the half, VAR intervened and awarded United a contentious penalty.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s header into the area grazed Jack Grealish’s hand, prompting referee Paul Tierney to review the incident after play had continued. Following a pitchside monitor check, Tierney pointed to the spot, and Bruno Fernandes confidently converted the penalty to level the score.
United finished the first half with momentum, but City quickly dealt them another blow after the break. Once again, the influential Gundogan found the back of the net with a powerful volley from the edge of the area, assisted by a free kick from Kevin De Bruyne.
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Gundogan came close to completing a hat-trick, but his goal was disallowed due to an offside call after he tucked in a rebound from Erling Haaland’s shot which was saved by David de Gea.
Subsequently, Alejandro Garnacho made an impact off the bench, with his curling effort narrowly missing the far post. In injury time, John Stones cleared the ball off the line, denying Scott McTominay a chance to force extra time by a matter of inches.
City held on to secure their second FA Cup victory in five years. Their attention now shifts to their final and perhaps most important game of the season; the Champions League final tie against Inter Milan scheduled for June 10th.
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