Manchester City won their first Community Shield since 2019, defeating local rivals Manchester United in a dramatic penalty shootout. Manuel Akanji scored the clinching penalty, sealing a 7-6 victory after the match ended 1-1 at Wembley Stadium.
The match began slowly, but excitement built as Alejandro Garnacho scored a stunning goal in the 82nd minute to put United ahead. However, Bernardo Silva equalized for City just a minute later, sending the match into penalties. In the initial five penalties, both Silva and Jadon Sancho missed, with Ederson contributing a goal for City before sudden death ensued.
Jonny Evans stepped up for United but fired his penalty over the bar. Akanji calmly rolled his shot into the net, allowing Pep Guardiola’s side to secure the win.
This victory marks City’s seventh Community Shield title, following wins in previous years including 1937, 1968, 1972, 2012, 2018, and 2019. They bounced back from a disappointing streak of losses in this competition and exhibited resilience, coming from behind despite fielding a weakened team.
Guardiola expressed satisfaction with the team, praising their fighting spirit and the strong performance of Ederson, who saved a penalty and scored one himself. Bernardo Silva also had a pivotal role after scoring the equalizer, despite being the first to miss in the shootout.
As for Manchester United, manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged the painful loss but highlighted the positives in their performance that could benefit their Premier League campaign. United will next focus on their Premier League opener against Fulham on August 16.