Manchester City clinched the Community Shield with a thrilling 7-6 victory over Manchester United in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw at Wembley Stadium.
The match was decided when Manuel Akanji scored the winning penalty after Jonny Evans missed his attempt, sending the ball over the crossbar. This triumph allowed City to avoid a second straight defeat at Wembley to the FA Cup holders.
Manchester United appeared to have the upper hand when substitute Alejandro Garnacho scored in the 82nd minute. Garnacho, capitalizing on a precise pass from Bruno Fernandes, cut inside from the right wing before delivering a sharp finish that beat City’s goalkeeper, Ederson.
City, however, showed their resilience by equalizing in the final moments of regulation time. Bernardo Silva, coming off the bench, rose above United’s Facundo Pellistri to head in a powerful goal from an Oscar Bobb cross.
The match was closely contested, with both teams creating significant chances. City’s James McAtee, paired with 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly in midfield, struck the post early on. Manchester United nearly scored a spectacular team goal, but Amad Diallo’s cross narrowly missed the reach of an advancing Bruno Fernandes.
United had more opportunities throughout the match, including Marcus Rashford hitting the woodwork. City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, was visibly frustrated during the first half as his team struggled to find their rhythm, even throwing his water bottle to the ground in exasperation.
Despite Bernardo Silva missing a penalty and a brilliant save by Ederson against Jadon Sancho, Guardiola was all smiles at the end. Akanji’s successful spot-kick sealed the victory, earning City the first trophy of the season.
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