MATCH REPORT AND PLAYER RATINGS - MANCHESTER CITY 1-0 INTER - CITY COMPLETE THE TREBLE!

Image courtesy of express.co.uk

Rodri's strike in the 68th minute helped Manchester City edge past a resilient Inter Milan and seal their first ever UEFA Champions League, completing an historic treble, and making sure the Spaniard's name lies in City folklore forever.

In a game of few chances, it was the 27 year old who scored the decisive goal, curling the ball into the bottom right corner from the edge of the box, after Bernardo Silva's cross was deflected into his path.

Pep Guardiola's side did have a handful of other chances too, with Bernardo, Erling Haaland and Phil Foden all coming close to leaving their mark on the final. Foden, in particular, created an excellent opportunity for himself, with a majestic turn and drive towards goal, but his finish was disappointing, comfortably stopped by Inter goalkeeper Andre Onana.

The 23 year old from Stockport came on in the first half for the injured Kevin de Bruyne, who appeared to have suffered some damage to his hamstring before being forced off. He'll no doubt be disappointed to not have played a bigger role in the final, but out of all the players in City's squad, the 31 year old Belgian is the one who deserves the Champions League the most, with his contribution to City's success ever since he joined in 2015.

Simone Inzaghi's side could have easily sent the game to extra time, or even won it late on, had it not been for a mixture of sloppy finishing from Inter's forwards and heroic goalkeeping from Ederson.

The Brazilian reacted quickly with his leg to stop former Manchester United player Romelu Lukaku from heading home, and Ruben Dias, who had an impressive game at centre back, did miraculously to avoid turning the ball into his own goal, glancing his defensive header just wide of the post.

Inter also hit the crossbar seconds after City's goal, with Federico Dimarco, who had a good overall game, pouncing in behind to head off the woodwork, with his follow up effort being blocked by Lukaku, his own teammate.

And, right before the end, Ederson commanded his box well to claim numerous crosses in the box, and even saved a near post header from wingback Robin Gosens as the final touch of the game, before the final whistle went and one half of the Ataturk Olympic Stadium erupted.

All of the frustration of City's defeats in Europe over the years poured out of the supporters in one moment, overtaking the successes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Paris Saint Germain by winning elite European silverware.

They also became just the 10th side ever to win the treble, and just the 2nd English side to achieve the 3 major trophies, alongside local rivals Manchester United, who achieved the feat 24 years ago.

City's players have a private club party tonight, then the trophy parade for the fans on Monday, before a few international fixtures and then a well deserved rest, ahead of next season, where Guardiola's side will be hoping to somewhat emulate the success of this season.

Here are some pictures from the trophy celebrations! (all images courtesy of City Xtra):

The best English player in the world!

A year to the day after he announced his own transfer. Erling Haaland, European Champion!

The best manager of all time, that is without question

A man for the big moments, Bernardoooooo

The first ever player to win a treble and a World Cup in the same season, El Arana!

Returning from injury to star in the Champions League Final!

One of our very own

Hang it in the Louvre!

Forever going down in Manchester City history, Rodri, the best defensive midfielder in the world!

Squad photo

And here are the player ratings for the magical night in Istanbul:

Ederson - 9/10 - Slightly wobbly in the first half, but more than made up for it in the second half, looking impenetrable at times between the sticks. Manchester City would not have won the treble without their brilliant Brazilian goalkeeper, that is a fact!

Stones - 9/10 - Playing at right back, so the centre backs could go man to man against the two Inter strikers, Stones was popping up absolutely everywhere. From playing in the half spaces, making overlapping runs, and even venturing into the penalty box, the 29 year old Englishman has been a revelation this season.

Akanji - 6.5/10 - Had a generally solid game, limiting the impact of Lautaro Martinez. However, he had one or two moments of nerves, and struggled at times when dealing with crosses and communicating with the rest of his defenders.

Dias - 9/10 - Very, very solid from Dias, giving neither Edin Dzeko nor Romelu Lukaku any joy up front. The Portuguese international commanded the backline, and was somehow able to avoid scoring an own goal when he headed the ball past the post from close range.

Ake - 7.5/10 - Seen as a somewhat surprise starter today over Kyle Walker, Nathan Ake showed all the qualities that saw him have such a successful season in sky blue. Keeping Denzel Dumfries quiet, the top level defending from the Dutchman meant Inter had to turn look down their left hand side to try and break down the best defence in Europe.

Rodri - 7.5/10 - City's goal scorer actually had a reasonably poor game on the night, looking tired and leggy at times as he gave the ball away sloppily, particularly in the first half. However, he will not care in the slightest about that, as it was his excellent strike that won City the UEFA Champions League!

De Bruyne - 6.5/10 - Looked fairly bright and positive in the first half an hour, linking up well with Haaland for the Norwegian's missed opportunity. Very unfortunate to go off early, with what appears to be a reasonably serious hamstring injury, but he now has the chance to rest and recuperate, in preparation for next season.

Gundogan - 7/10 - In what could well, but hopefully not, be his final game for City, our captain showed the quality that he has shown in his entire spell at the club. Whilst he was admittedly quiet last night, the German has come up in so many big moments in a City shirt, that he simply has to go down as a legend.

Bernardo - 8.5/10 - Another player potentially playing his last game for City, Bernardo justified his selection on the right wing. He looked threatening running at Dimarco showing bundles of passion and energy when pressing, and it was his cross that led to Rodri's winning goal.

Haaland - 6.5/10 - Although, in goal scoring standards, Haaland had a poor finish to the season, he certainly did more than his bit throughout the season, chipping in with a mega 52 goals and 8 assists in all competitions. Last night, he didn't have many touches, but his presence on the pitch alone, along with his physicality and hold up play, caused a huge threat to Inter's defenders.

Grealish - 6.5/10 - As he admitted himself, the £100 million man didn't have a very good overall game. But, he showed touches of immense quality at times throughout the game, and has played his part in City's treble success as much as any other player this season.

Substitutes: Foden - 7.5/10 - Coming on the pitch at around the half an hour mark, the City academy graduate looked lively, direct and positive on the ball. He should have scored after excellent work, but his final shot was disappointing.

Walker - 6.5/10 - Disappointed to be left out, Walker replaced Stones late on in the game and had a positive impact at the back for City, helping them to see out the result.