Manchester City have one hand on the treble after a stunning 2-1 comeback victory over Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday, June 3, 2023. The win, sealed by Ilkay Gündogan’s breathtaking double, sets up a Champions League final against Inter Milan where victory would secure an historic achievement.
The match began in dream fashion for City, with their captain scoring the fastest goal in FA Cup final history. After just 12 seconds, a sweeping move from kick-off found Gündogan on the edge of the box, and his spectacular volley flew past a stunned David de Gea.
United, however, grew into the game and their pressure told in the 33rd minute. A controversial handball decision against Jack Grealish following a VAR review gave Bruno Fernandes the chance to equalize from the penalty spot, which he calmly converted.
The second half saw City regain control, and the decisive moment arrived in the 51st minute. Again, it was Gündogan who delivered. Kevin De Bruyne’s floated free-kick was met by the German midfielder, whose first-time volley nestled into the net to restore City’s lead.
United pushed for another equalizer in a frantic finale. Alejandro Garnacho thought he had levelled in the 90th minute, but his goal was correctly ruled out for offside. In the dying moments, City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega made a crucial point-blank save to deny United substitute Scott McTominay, preserving the narrow lead.
The final whistle confirmed Pep Guardiola’s second FA Cup triumph as City manager, adding to the Premier League title they secured weeks earlier. The focus now shifts instantly to Istanbul.
“We have one more game,” Guardiola stated after the match. “Winning the treble would be extraordinary, but to even be in this position is a massive success for the club. Now we must prepare for one final challenge.”
That challenge is the Champions League final against Inter on Saturday, June 10, 2023. A victory at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium would see Manchester City match their rivals’ 1999 feat and complete a legendary treble, cementing this team’s place in history.
