Manchester City won the UEFA Super Cup for the first time on Wednesday, defeating Sevilla on penalties after a 1-1 draw in Athens.
The Spaniards took the lead in the first half thanks to Youssef En-Nesyri’s stunning header.
City were far from their slickest, but Cole Palmer’s header forced the game into penalties.
After Sevilla defender Nemanja Gudelj slammed against the bar, City was perfect from the spot and won the shootout 5-4.
Pep Guardiola has lamented his team’s lack of preparation for the new season, which was evident in the blazing heat of Athens.
City suffered greatly from the absence of Kevin De Bruyne and Bernardo Silva due to injury and illness.
De Bruyne’s four-month absence due to a major hamstring injury has added to the loss of firepower provided by Ilkay Gundogan and Riyad Mahrez since last season.
West Ham’s Brazilian international Lucas Paqueta has been linked with a move to the Etihad, and this performance may serve as further evidence that City must strengthen before the transfer window closes.
But, as they did last season when they won their seventh Europa League despite being 12th in their league, they rose to the occasion.
Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was playing his final game for the club before joining Saudi club Al Hilal.
When he punched away Nathan Ake’s thunderous header that was headed for the bottom corner, the Moroccan international denied City a perfect start.
Guardiola’s players, on the other hand, became sluggish in possession and were punished after 25 minutes.
