Magnificent Manchester City carved their name into history as they completed three steps to footballing immortality by sealing a first-ever Champions League title – and with it the Treble – on an unforgettable night in Istanbul.
A brilliant 69th minute strike from Rodrigo sealed a dramatic and hard fought 1-0 victory over Inter of Italy at the Olympic Ataturk Stadium to ensure Pep Guardiola’s fabulous side were crowned European champions for the first time.
On what was the greatest night in the Club’s long, proud 129-year history, victory also set the seal on the Treble of Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League and sparked emotional scenes of unbridled joy amongst players, staff and fans alike here in Turkey.
Fittingly, for what was Pep’s 300th victory as City manager, the triumph also saw the visionary Catalan become the first manager in football history to oversee a Treble twice, with Guardiola having also led Barcelona to the unique feat in 2009.
And after a marathon season, that began way back last July, City secured the greatest prize in Club football by marrying the brand of attacking football that has been the hallmark of Guardiola’s storied seven-year Etihad reign along with a bucketful of grit and desire against an Inter side who pushed us all the way.
For Pep, it was the 14th and greatest major prize of his incredible City reign.
And for those privileged to here in Istanbul to share in the joy along with the army of City fans eagerly watching on from around the world, it was an experience no-one will ever forget.
