Manchester City look to sign off their season in perfect fashion as they take on Inter in the Champions League final at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul on Saturday night.
Pep Guardiola’s men made it two out of three in their pursuit of the perfect treble. This represents the final step for City, who look to emulate the achievement of the Manchester United side that won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League in 1999.
Here, we’ll take an in-depth look at this showpiece finale and find some statistics that could point to just how this game could go. Keep reading to find out more about who we think will win this one and how.
Legacy
Even though an historic treble is on the line for Manchester City here, there is something far more important that the club is looking to achieve. A first Champions League title for the club would be massive in cementing a legacy and could set them up for a generation of success in Europe for years to come.
Inter are among European royalty and one of only a handful of clubs to have won the European Cup on multiple occasions. The first two came back to back in 1964 and 1965, but they didn’t add to their tally until 2010 under Jose Mourinho, when they defeated Bayern Munich in Madrid to land their third title.
Changing history
Despite being third on the list of countries with the most Champions League titles, Italian clubs have really struggled in competition in the 21st century. Since the year 2000, a Serie A club has only won this tournament on three occasions. The last to do so was Inter in 2010, with city rivals Milan winning it in 2003 and 2007.
In the last five years, six English sides have participated in the final of this competition. Only the 2020 final between Bayern Munich and Paris Saint Germain didn’t feature an English side in that time. City will of course be the English representatives here, continuing the impressive performances from Premier League clubs in recent years.
Leading on all fronts
Although this is the final of the world’s hardest club competition, Manchester City are the clear favourites to land their maiden title. That’s a testament to just how good they’ve been this season and that culminated in a rather comfortable two legged victory over Real Madrid in the semi-finals.
Star striker Erling Haaland is guaranteed the Golden Boot for this year’s campaign. He’s already on 12 and has the chance to add to that tally as he tries to fire City to European glory in his first season with the English club.
Treble pending
Despite Inter’s strong history in European competition, it’s hard to see anything other than a Manchester City win here. Pep Guardiola’s men have blown everyone away this season and Inter have shown their vulnerability, especially in domestic competitions. The manner of the FA Cup win last week shows they’re primed and ready to make history.