Manchester City emerged victorious in the Community Shield, winning 7-6 on penalties against Manchester United after the match concluded in a 1-1 draw at Wembley on Saturday. The decisive penalty was scored by Manuel Akanji, following Jonny Evans’ miss.
The Premier League champions seemed poised to face defeat when Alejandro Garnacho put United ahead in the 82nd minute. However, City’s Bernardo Silva equalized just before the end of regulation, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, while Silva faltered in his attempt, Akanji secured the win for City. United struggled with penalties as both Evans and Jadon Sancho failed to convert theirs.
United nearly took the lead shortly after halftime when Bruno Fernandes netted a stunning long-range goal, which was ultimately disallowed for offside. Garnacho later capitalized on a defensive lapse by City, but Silva’s equalizer forced the match into penalties.
This victory marked City’s first Community Shield win since 2019, breaking a streak of losses in the competition, including defeats against Arsenal, Liverpool, and Leicester City in the previous three years.
City manager Pep Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the win, noting the challenges of controlling United’s dangerous attack. He emphasized the importance of focusing on each game as it comes.
Due to the absence of key English players and Spain’s Rodri, Guardiola fielded a young and somewhat inexperienced lineup, which managed to control possession despite a shaky start. Youngster James McAtee nearly scored early on but hit the post.
United’s manager, Erik ten Hag, reflected on the loss, acknowledging the emotional toll of the match but also identifying positives that his team can carry into the new league season. United are set to start their campaign at home against Fulham on Friday, while City will face Chelsea on August 18 in pursuit of a fifth consecutive Premier League title.