Fielding a nearly full-strength lineup with only one change in goal—Stefan Ortega replacing Ederson—Manchester City, as the favorites, surprisingly took the lead just 12 seconds into the FA Cup final. Following a long ball from goalkeeper Ortega, Erling Haaland rose high to touch the ball, but defender Victor Lindelof managed to head it away.
Ilkay Gundogan opened the scoring in the 12th second of the match.
The ball landed perfectly in front of Ilkay Gundogan, who immediately unleashed a decisive volley. With his view obstructed and possibly blinded by the sun, goalkeeper De Gea was practically rooted to the spot as the ball flew straight into the net. Many spectators at Wembley Stadium hadn't even settled into their seats and missed the chance to witness the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
The German star and Manchester City captain has had a very smooth start.
After conceding an early goal, Manchester United became somewhat disorganized in their game plan, retreating deep into a passive defensive formation to withstand the relentless attacks of the opposing team. In that context, the equalizer was as unexpected as the goal conceded.
Jack Grealish nearly became a "scapegoat" after being denied a penalty.
In the 29th minute, Jack Grealish handled the ball in the Man City penalty area after an aerial duel with Wan-Bissaka, and it took four minutes for referee Paul Tierney to review VAR before awarding Man United a penalty. From 11 meters, Bruno Fernandes easily put the ball into Stefan Ortega's net, leveling the score at 1-1 for Man United.
Bruno Fernandes equalized for Man United from the penalty spot, making it 1-1.
The score remained level until the end of the first half, even though "The Citizens" attacked more and created several dangerous opportunities towards De Gea's goal. However, the impatience of the blue-shirted fans didn't last long, because just six minutes into the second half, they had another chance to take the lead.
Man United struggled to contain Man City's attacking threats.
From a free-kick position on the right wing, De Bruyne delivered an accurate cross for Gundogan to unleash a volley from outside the penalty area; the ball bounced twice before going straight into the net, leaving goalkeeper De Gea helpless.
Gundogan with his second goal of the match.
The match cooled down considerably from this point onwards as Man United failed to create any dangerous chances towards the opponent's goal. Coach Erik ten Hag's tactical substitutions also failed to produce the desired results, most notably the two consecutive shots from Raphael Varane and McTominay that nearly resulted in goals in the 90+2 minute.
McTominay's goal nearly equalized in the 90+2 minute.
Losing 1-2, Man United failed to achieve the double they had hoped for. Meanwhile, Man City secured their second title of the season, the prestigious FA Cup, after winning the Premier League.
Pep Guardiola's team is very close to achieving the treble, with the Champions League final against Inter Milan just a week away…
The joy of the warriors conquering Man City.
Erling Haaland's miraculous season
Man City and their second title of the season.
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