In an exhilarating FA Cup final clash, the Ilkay Gundogan double proved to be the difference. Manchester City moved one step closer to the elusive treble.
Gundogan wasted no time making his mark on the game. He delivered a magnificent volley just 12 seconds into play. This incredible goal not only put City ahead of bitter rivals United but also etched his name in the record books. It is the fastest goal ever scored in an FA Cup final.
Record-breaking start
The German midfielder’s goal came from an attempted header clearance. He unleashed a dipping volley that left United’s goalkeeper, David De Gea, helpless.
Manchester United, however, swiftly responded to City’s early lead. Bruno Fernandez converted from the penalty spot to level the scoreline. This momentous goal marked the first time in history. Both starting captains scored in an FA Cup final for their respective teams.
Just minutes into the second half, Gundogan once again stepped up for his team. Capitalising on a corner kick opportunity, he delivered a scuffed left-footed volley which found the bottom corner of De Gea’s net. Though not as clean as his first goal, Gundogan’s strike proved to be the decisive moment of the match.
Despite the Reds hitting the woodwork in stoppage time, they couldn’t find a second equaliser to salvage the match. City once again proved to be too much for the noisy neighbours as they clinched their second trophy of the year.
With their triumph in what can be considered one of the most significant Manchester derbies of all time, City keeps their treble aspirations alive. They will soon face Inter Milan in Istanbul, with hopes of winning their first champions league under manager Pep Guardiola.
On the other hand, Manchester United experienced bitter disappointment in what had been a promising debut season under manager Erik Ten Hag.
