London, June 3 (BNA): Manchester City pulled off one victory by completing an important treble as they deservedly beat arch-rivals Manchester United 2-1 in the FA Cup final thanks to Ilkay Gundogan’s record brace on Saturday.
Reuters reports that City captain Gundogan scored the fastest goal in FA Cup final history with a stunning volley after 12 seconds and struck what proved to be the winner seven minutes after half-time.
In doing so, the 32-year-old, who is expected to leave City in the summer after seven years of silverware, becomes the oldest player to score a brace in an FA Cup final since Nat Lofthouse with Bolton Wanderers in 1958, also against United.
United’s quest to win the local cup in the same season for the first time in its history and smash City’s hopes in simulating the historic 1999 triple, equalizing with Bruno Fernandez in the 33rd minute from the penalty spot.
Pep Guardiola’s side resisted some late pressure from United to win their seventh title.
This is the thirteenth time that the Premier League and FA Cup double has been achieved. But City now wants more and travels to Istanbul to face Inter Milan, who are seeking to win the European title for the first time and equalize United’s sweep of the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League 1998-99 under the leadership of Alex Ferguson.
“Now we can talk about the treble,” said Guardiola, who has won 11 trophies since arriving at City in 2016.
“Of course we still have to win the Champions League. We did very well for our city and our fans. It was very important for us today. The FA Cup is very nice.”
MI