A Historic Clash Awaits: Manchester City vs. Inter Milan in Thrilling Champions League Final!

Get ready for a historic clash as Manchester City and Inter Milan lock horns in an epic showdown for the ages. The stage is set for the grand finale of the UEFA Champions League, where two footballing giants will collide, pitting their tactical brilliance, individual excellence, and unwavering determination against each other. With a sea of passionate supporters from both sides eagerly awaiting the moment, anticipation and excitement reach unparalleled heights. Brace yourselves for a pulsating encounter as the blue wave from Manchester collides with the Nerazzurri’s might, in a contest where legends will be born and history will be made.

Team News:

Manchester City have an entirely fit squad to choose from. Ederson is expected to return to the starting XI after Stefan Ortega deputised for him in the FA Cup Final against Manchester United. 

Inter Milan have a slightly less clean bill of health. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a doubt after picking up a knock vs. AC Milan in the semi-finals. He missed the Coppa Italia Final vs. Fiorentina. Joaquin Correa is also a doubt as he’s nursing an injury. 

Key Players:

Manchester City: John Stones

I could’ve said Erling Haaland, or Kevin de Bruyne, or even FA Cup Final hero Ilkay Gundogan, but City’s unsung hero is John Stones. The Barnsley-born centre-back has been exquisite in recent weeks and a fundamental part of City’s success. Defensively, he is crucial for the Sky Blues, demonstrated by his last-ditch block on Alejandro Garnacho in the FA Cup Final. However, even more pivotal is the manner in which he helps City build offensively. He possesses an incredible passing range, and he progresses into the midfield to accompany Rodri when City are in possession. It’s fascinating to watch and for City to succeed on Saturday, they will need Stones to perform as he has done recently. 

 

Inter Milan : Alessandro Bastoni

Alessandro Bastoni has been a rock at the back for Inter Milan this season. Like Stones, he’s vital to Inter’s attacking progression. He averages almost a chance created every game and has incredibly high progressive carry numbers for a centre-back. He doesn’t have the most convincing aerial battle ratio (62.8% win rate), so up against the 6ft4 Erling Haaland he’ll have to bring his A-game. On the ground, however, he’s fantastic. If Inter are to win on Saturday, Bastoni will be a key part. 

 

Match Stats:

• Manchester City and Inter Milan have never faced each other in a competitive match. Saturday is the first. This is due to City’s relatively recent rise to the summit of European football, and Inter’s omission from the Champions League between 2012 and 2018.

Manchester City:

• Manchester City have faced Italian opposition 16 times, winning six of these games and losing six, whilst drawing the other four.
• They are unbeaten in their last four games against Italian opposition.
• Manchester City are yet to win the Champions League in their history
• City have lost just one of their last 27 matches, and are yet to lose in the Champions League this season

Inter Milan:

• Inter have faced English opposition 38 times, winning 15 of these games and losing 17, whilst drawing the other six.
• United are seeking to win four consecutive top-flight matches without conceding in a season for the first time since between February and March 2013 under Sir Alex Ferguson.
• Inter Milan have lost just one of their last 13 games
• Manager Simone Inzaghi has won seven finals from seven as a coach

 

Manchester City are 2/9 to lift the trophy on bet365. Inter Milan are the underdogs at 10/3 on bet365.