Date of destiny in Istanbul

Mikhail Shklover previews the biggest match in club football, and what could be a historic evening

BY the time this article goes into print, this season of club football would already be concluded and placed into the history books. After three years of delay and wait, Istanbul finally receives its moment in the sun, and hosts the biggest game of the season. Inter Milan take on Manchester City in what will be the second Champions League Final for both sides in this century. As we prepare for Saturday night, this is how the state of affairs looks for the ultimate game of club football.

Inter's presence in the final may seem surprising, but fully deserved. The revival of calcio has been vividly portrayed with an Italian team present in each of the three European finals this year and Inter Milan themselves are back as well. After hiring Antonio Conte in 2019, the Nerazzurri laid the foundations for the trajectory of their return to the top tier of European football. A Europa League Final in Conte’s first season appeared to be a positive intermediate result — while a Scudetto title at the end of the next campaign ended Inter’s 11-year wait for a trophy.

Although Conte’s sudden departure offered no optimism in the summer of 2021, especially with limited funding and the exodus of several key players, Simone Inzaghi kept the standards high. Two Coppa Italia trophies coupled with two victories in the Supercup extended Inter’s recent trophy collection. More importantly, Inzaghi managed to improve Inter’s Champions League performances, allowing them to finally progress beyond the dreaded group stage. Knocked out by future finalists Liverpool last year, Inzaghi’s men strived to raise the bar higher ahead of this season.

Out-qualifying Barcelona in the group and receiving a place in the easier side of the draw, Inter made their fans believe that this could be their season. And here we are… the Neraz- zurri find themselves in the biggest game of all.

However, this Champions League Final has only one favourite — that team is Sky Blue. 10th June 2023 is Manchester City’s day of destiny. With the derby win in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, Guardiola’s team brought themselves one step closer to greatness, and a victory in Istanbul will secure the historic treble. Manchester City’s wait for the UCL title has been long enough, but they’ve had an alternative journey to Istanbul. Establishing their dominance in domestic competitions in the early 2010s under Mancini and Pellegrini, the Sky Blues finally appeared in the semi-finals of the Champions League in 2016. Guardiola’s arrival the same year developed an expectation of imminent success. Little did fans know that the enhanced superiority in the Premier League would not be complemented by success in Europe.

Five years later, Manchester City finally made it all the way. Fuelled by heavy investments and successful transfers, Pep created a team that deserved European glory. Despite the loss in the final to Tuchel’s Chelsea, Man City made it clear that their presence in the decisive stage of the tournament was the first of many appearances. Knocked out in the most dramatic fashion by Real Madrid last year, Guardiola’s team have finally got it right in 2023.

Comfortably winning the group, Manchester City appeared to be unstoppable in the playoffs, despite being in the difficult side of the draw. DFB Pokal Winners Leipzig, an exciting Bayern Munich side, and even the holders and 14-time winners Real Madrid were not just beaten, but humiliated at the Etihad as Manchester City’s march to Istanbul was completed. Guardiola’s surprising decisions and tactical overthinking became vestiges of the past, as his team strives to lay their claim on the sterling silver trophy.

Despite being the underdogs, the Nerazzuri certainly have aces up their sleeve. Coming out from the blocks early and surprising the opponent with an aggressive start (like they did in the semi-final) could be a potential tactic for Simone Inzaghi's side. Inter’s midfield led by Barella, Dumfries and Di Marco in the wingback roles may provide threat throughout the 90 minutes. Further up the pitch, Lukaku and Martinez deserve attention, having rediscovered form at the right time. Martinez even managed a brace in the Coppa Italia final, and a goal against AC Milan in the UCL semi-final. Furthermore, we must not forget Andre Onana, the Cameroonian international conceding in only one playoff game this season. Inter certainly won’t be a walk in the park, but do they have enough to withstand City? It looks unlikely. Manchester City look stronger in every line. The midfield controlled by Rodri and De Bruyne will strive to maintain the possession. Dias, Walker, Ake, and Stones