UEFA Champions League winners, Manchester City FC went head to head with UEFA Europa League winners, Sevilla FC, to battle it out for the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday night at the Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, Greece.

After failing to start the 2023/24 season with a silverware, losing out to Arsenal FC via penalties in the FA Community Shield, Pep Guardiola’s men rallied back from a goal down to win the UEFA Super Cup 5-4 on penalties after normal time ended one goal apiece.

Given the intense winning mentality Manchester City possesses, it was highly unlikely that they would miss out on the trophy in the same fashion as they did against Arsenal; via penalties.

The game began with Sevilla on the front foot as Youseff En-Nesyri made an effort to give his side an early lead but fell short.

City’s Lad Palmer, who has seen more playing time following Riyad Mahrez’s exit, quickly followed up with a shot that went to the hands of Sevilla’s shot-stopper, Bono, who shortly after, saved a downward header from Nathan Ake.

Bono continued to face tests from City as Grealish pounced one on target with his right foot via the left wing.

Sevilla immediately took control and grabbed the lead via Youseff En-Nesyri in the 20th minute as the Moroccan headed in a fine cross from Marcos Acuña. Sevilla held City to a 1-0 lead till the half-time whistle was blown.

Going into the second half, Youseff En-Nesyri, just like in the first, surged forward but couldn’t find the right strike to double the lead and increase City’s deficit.

Sevilla continued to find a second goal but all their attempts fell short. Cole Palmer in the 63rd minute, put City back on level terms, nodding in Rodri’s cross as he did in the Community Shield against Arsenal and cancelling Youssef En-Nesryi’s first-half opener.

Both sides continued to find a winner, with En-Nesyri forcing Ederson out of his post on several occasions and Palmer with attempts. Sevilla tried to continue on the attack but Kyle Walker make sure to halt Lucas Ocampos’ attempt at a cross, getting the better of the Argentine in the duel in the 82nd minute.

In the 90th minute, Manchester City pressed for the winner as Phil Foden’s free kick shot fell straight into the hands of Bono. Nathan Ake once again attacked the ball with his head but it went over the bar. Kyle Walker also made attempts from range but the game was bound to be decided from 12 yards out as it went to penalties.

Manchester City despite being far from their usual best on the night, got the victory via penalties after a miss by Sevilla’s Nemanja Gudelj.

It is the first Super Cup Trophy for the English outfit and the fourth trophy of 2023.

Pep Guardiola becomes the first manager to win the UEFA Super Cup with three different clubs; FC Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City.