August 17 – Manchester City marked their first appearance in the UEFA Super Cup by beating Sevilla 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to claim yet more silverware under manager Pep Guardiola.
After a 1-1 draw and then nine successful spot kicks in the shootout, Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj struck his attempt against the crossbar to hand City victory in Athens.
It was a 15th trophy won by City in Guardiola’s reign that started in 2016 and made up for the defeat to Arsenal, also on penalties, in the Community Shield 10 days ago.
City held their nerve on a scorching night after Sevilla had taken a first-half lead through Youssef En-Nesyri’s towering header, hitting back midway through the second half through Cole Palmer to force penalties.
City’s defence was often exposed despite the presence of new signing Josko Gvardiol but they finished the game strongly.
“The manager made it so clear to us before the game how much he wants to win this trophy,” said City midfielder Jack Grealish whose side won a rare treble last season.
“You want to win everything anyway but that gave us more of an urge. This club has never won it. It’s a brilliant feeling.”
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