CITY SECURE UEFA SUPER CUP THROUGH PALMER HEADER LEADING TO PENALTY SHOOT-OUT DRAMA

A gripping penalty shoot-out against Sevilla culminated in a 5-4 victory for City, clinching the esteemed 2023 UEFA Super Cup title in Athens.

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City triumph in UEFA Super Cup after shootout win over Sevilla
A tense and hard-fought encounter in the Greek capital concluded with a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes, where Cole Palmer’s standout second-half penalty canceled out Youssef En-Nesryi’s first-half opener.

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Both sides had opportunities to seal the victory within regular time, with Ederson making crucial saves to thwart En-Nesyri and Nathan Ake’s goal-bound headers being blocked twice.

This set the stage for an intense penalty shoot-out.

Following five successful penalties from City, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj failed to convert his fifth attempt as the ball ricocheted off the crossbar, securing the first silverware of the 2023/24 season for Pep Guardiola’s team.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Although the action kicked off at 10 pm Athens time, the Greek capital still experienced a hot and humid night, with temperatures remaining above 30 degrees Celsius throughout the sun-soaked day.

In addition to the contingent of Manchester and Seville supporters, a substantial number of local Athenian fans, many sporting City colors, turned out at Olympiakos’ atmospheric Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, generating a lively atmosphere.

The on-field intensity matched the off-field fervor, as both teams ignited an eagerly anticipated clash.

With summer signing Josko Gvardiol making his debut start for City, occupying the left-back role, the Champions League and Treble winners initiated early pressure.

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Cole Palmer was the first to menace, launching a low shot from 20 yards in the sixth minute. Although on target, the effort was collected safely by Sevilla keeper Yassine Bounou.

Just sixty seconds later, Palmer transitioned to a provider role, shifting to the left edge of the box and delivering an exceptional cross from a short corner. Nathan Ake connected with a forceful close-range header.

Remarkably, Bounou hurled himself to the right to magnificently deflect the attempt, averting the goal.

On the 17th minute, Jack Grealish assessed the reflexes of the Sevilla goalkeeper, advancing forward before unleashing a shot from just outside the box.

Once again, Bounou effectively parried the shot away.

Unexpectedly, Sevilla made the opening breakthrough on the 26th minute.

Marcos Acuna was the catalyst, as the Argentine World Cup winner surged down the right flank before providing a skillful teasing cross.

Though there was work to be done, Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesryi elevated above Nathan Ake and Gvardiol to direct a potent header past Ederson into the corner of the net.

The goal was tough on City but highlighted the potent threat posed by the Spaniards.

By – Sahiba Suri