Premier League champions Manchester City have been dominating English Soccer for years now with seemingly no end in sight. The Citizens have lifted title after title, effectively establishing a dynasty in the process.
But for all of their superiority in domestic affairs, the Sky Blues have faltered on the European stage.
Given this, it’s important to recount their success in European soccer thus far, and whether or not they’ve lifted the coveted UEFA Champions League title.
City has been on a rampant rise to the top even since its big-money takeover in 2008 from the Abu Dhabi United Group. In the years that have followed, the Sky Blues have won 7 Premier League titles, 6 League Cup titles, and 3 FA Cup titles.
🏆 YOUR 2022/23 #PL CHAMPIONS 🏆
Congratulations, @ManCity! pic.twitter.com/5SqJrl0QrR
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 20, 2023
Their sizable trophy cabinet is enough to draw the envy of any rival club, and they recently added the coveted UCL title to their collection as well. In the past, the moniker of ‘European Champions’ has slipped from within the Citizens’ grasp, but following their triumph in Istanbul, Manchester City can proudly lay claim to the honor.
The Citizens have made it to the competition’s semi-finals on four separate occasions, they’ve further qualified for the final twice.
How many times have Manchester City played the Champions League final?
Pep Guardiola’s side has officially competed in two Champions League finals. Their first showdown for European glory took place at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto, against Premier League rivals Chelsea. City was billed as the favorites during the build-up to the game, but eventually, they came up short against a resolute Chelsea team.
Both sides lined up as expected, barring one significant change from Guardiola, who opted to bench defensive-midfielder Fernandinho in favor of the more attack-minded Illkay Gundogan. The tactical tweak failed to work, as it allowed Chelsea far too much space for counter-attacks.
The absence of a defensive midfielder also played a role in the goal conceded by City. Without additional cover for the backline, their defense was caught out of position, allowing Mason Mount to pick out Kai Havertz with ease. The German made no mistake with the finish, winning Chelsea the Champions League and breaking City’s dreams in the process.
🏆 Congratulations, @ChelseaFC – #UCLFinal winners!@ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/btoRg1JM32
— UEFA (@UEFA) May 30, 2021
Nevertheless, Manchester City got their shot at redemption when they faced Inter Milan 2 years later in 2023. On this occasion, City ended up victorious, as they finally added the ultimate prize to their trophy haul.
All the Manchester City UCL 22/23 trophy pics (a thread) pic.twitter.com/hYV7HUhRqP
— Danis (@DanisThecityfan) June 10, 2023
Like the 2021 UCL final, Guardiola messed around with his tactical approach by benching Kyle Walker in favor of Manuel Akanji. Pep also ditched the box-midfield shape, that brought City great success throughout the season, for the final, before ultimately reverting to it during the second half.
Despite a nervy and lackluster display, the English outfit managed to find a goal through Rodri in the 68th minute. By securing a 1-0 win over Inter, City added a European title to their collection and also completed an illustrious treble.