Manchester Metropolis and Pep Guardiola received their marketing campaign off to a successful begin by beating rivals Manchester United within the Group Protect.
The sunshine was streaking down onto the Wembley pitch on a sunny Saturday afternoon, but it surely was not a sport to recollect.
There have been no pictures heading in the right direction for the primary 75 minutes of the sport, with the champions resting loads of their large hitters.
United had the higher of the possibilities, with Scott McTominay lacking a very notable probability within the second half.
The likes of Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire had been on the pitch for the Purple Devils, however struggled to have an effect within the curtain-raiser.
After a fairly uneventful 70 minutes, issues did kick into gear.
Man Utd took the lead late on by means of Alejandro Garnacho, who drilled low into the far nook in what appeared to be the winner.
Job achieved ✅#ManCity pic.twitter.com/NMlwSLSA0d
— Manchester Metropolis (@ManCity) August 10, 2024
However in typical Metropolis style, they battled again to attract issues degree late on.
Substitute Bernardo Silva got here on and managed to move previous Andre Onana simply two minutes from time.
With no additional time within the Group Protect, the tie could be selected penalties.
The gamers headed to the tip stuffed with United followers, and it actually made a distinction for the FA Cup holders.
Silva, Metropolis’s goalscorer, stepped up first however noticed his effort saved by Onana.
Bruno Fernandes, Garnacho and Diogo Dalot all scored by Jadon Sancho was denied by a powerful hand from Ederson.
New signing Savinho then netted for Metropolis, as did Casemiro and Ederson himself.
The objectives saved coming and it was not till Jonny Evans missed for United did the match lastly conclude.
Manuel Akanji – who missed in opposition to England at Euro 2024 this summer season – stepped up and slammed dwelling the deciding penalty to spark celebrations within the sky-blue finish.