MANCHESTER City has won the 2024 Community Shield with a 7-6 penalty shoot-out victory over city rivals Manchester United at Wembley on Saturday.
After an even game ended 1-1 with late goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Bernardo Silva, Manuel Akanji was City’s eventual hero from the spot.
City, still without several key players after this summer’s Euro 2024, created enough chances to win the trophy in normal time. It however looked as if they will come out on the wrong side of the game when Garnacho put United ahead in the 82nd minute.
However, a spirited fightback spearheaded by Bernardo meant penalties were required to earn the seventh Community Shield in City’s history and Pep Guardiola‘s 18th major honour as City boss.
Academy graduate, Nico O’Reilly, made his senior debut for City after impressing on the recent tour of the USA, while James McAtee earned his first competitive start.
Brazil international, Savinho, also made his first City appearance after his summer move from Troyes, coming on just after the hour mark.
Eager to impress, the young winger gave a very promising glimpse into what fans can expect at the Etihad this season.
Bernardo, City’s hero late on in normal time, saw his spot kick saved before Ederson threw up a decisive claw to deny Jadon Sancho.
With the scores level heading into the final round of kicks, Casemiro and Ederson duly converted to take it into sudden death.
Matheus Nunes held his nerve following Scott McTominay’s finish, before Lisandro Martinez and Ruben Dias exchanged blows.
Jonny Evans was the first to break, sending his kick over the bar and offering Manuel Akanji the opportunity to seal the trophy.
The Swiss defender slotted straight down the middle, earning City their 18th major honour under Guardiola and getting the 2024/25 campaign off to an ideal start.
