Manchester City stole the show late at Wembley Stadium, defeating Manchester United 7-6 in a penalty shootout to win the Community Shield. The game ended 1-1 after regular time, with Alejandro Garnacho scoring for United and Bernardo Silva equalizing for City in the 89th minute.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised his team’s intensity and motivation, saying, “We are really pleased. We lost a lot of balls, but in the end, we did it.” United manager Erik ten Hag expressed disappointment, saying, “It hurts in your stomach, but it will give us motivation to do better.”
The match saw both teams display a mix of pre-season rustiness and promising build-up play. City’s fringe players, including James McAtee and Nico O’Reilly, showed potential, while United’s Amad and Garnacho impressed with their attacking moves.
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The game’s intensity picked up in the second half, with both teams creating chances. Garnacho’s goal was a highlight, as he glided past City’s defense to score a precise finish. However, City’s equalizer and subsequent penalty shootout win dampened United’s spirits.
The Community Shield may not be the most prestigious trophy, but both teams approached the game with competitiveness and intensity. As Guardiola said, “We count the Community Shield when tallying up our medals.”
With the new season approaching, both teams will look to build on this performance. City will face Chelsea on August 18, while United host Fulham on August 16.
In the end, City’s victory in the Community Shield serves as a confidence booster, while United will use the defeat as motivation to improve. As Ten Hag said, “We will take this into the season.”
