Manchester City clinched their first Community Shield victory since 2019, with Manuel Akanji scoring the crucial eighth penalty against local rivals Manchester United.
The match began slowly, with Alejandro Garnacho breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute with an impressive strike. However, Bernardo Silva equalised just before the end of regulation time, sending the game to a penalty shootout at Wembley Stadium.
In the shootout, only two penalties were missed during the first five attempts: one by Silva and another by Jadon Sancho. This included a successful penalty from City’s goalkeeper Ederson. The shootout proceeded to sudden death after both teams were tied. Jonny Evans, stepping up for United, missed his shot by sending it over the crossbar, allowing Akanji to convert the winning penalty for Pep Guardiola’s team.
Manchester United’s starting lineup featured Onana; Dalot, Evans, Maguire, and Martinez; Mainoo and Casemiro in midfield; with Amad, Fernandes, and Mount supporting Rashford in attack. Meanwhile, Man City fielded Ederson, Lewis, Akanji, Dias, and Gvardiol; Kovacic and O’Reilly in midfield; and Bobb, McAtee, and Doku supporting Haaland in their attack.
City’s win marked a shift in fortune for them after losing the Community Shield in the previous three years. They displayed resilience throughout the match, including overcoming Evans’ missed penalty which led to another trophy for them.
Looking ahead, City is set to begin their Premier League campaign against Chelsea, while United prepares for their first league match against Fulham.