Andre Onana was at his best between the sticks for Inter Milan but did little as the Nerazzurri lost 1-0 to Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League final at the Ataturk Stadium on Saturday night.
The Citizens were favourites to win the game but were put to the test by Inter’s resolute defending and threat on the counter attack.
After periods of intensity from both teams, City broke the deadlock in Istanbul in the 68th minute when Spanish midfielder Rodri placed the ball brilliantly into the back of the net.
Inter tried to pull a comeback and threw everything at Pep Guardiola’s side but the English side held firm for the win to complete the treble of winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League, equalling the record set by crosstown rivals Manchester United during the 1998-99 season.
Riyad Mahrez picked up a winners medal despite being an unused substitute in the game. He played 11 minutes off the bench in the 4-0 second leg semi-final bashing of Real Madrid. It was the Algeria international’s ninth Champions League appearance of the season and scored a total of three goals and provided two assists.
He becomes the first Algerian to win Europe’s premier club competition since Rabah Madjer with Porto in 1987. He is also the 27th African to win the prestigious trophy.
Riyad Mahrez ???????? is the first Algerian player to taste European glory with the UEFA Champions League, since Rabah Madjer (1986-87 with Porto).#Afrosport #UCLFinal #ManCity #Mahrez #Algeria #AfricanFootball #UCL pic.twitter.com/1nqqs4ZI14
— AfroSport (@AfroSportTV) June 10, 2023
Onana meanwhile picked up the winners medal having played in every game in the Champions League this season, conceding 11 goals and keeping eight clean sheets, the most of any goalkeeper.
Mahrez will have the opportunity to win another piece of silverware when Man City tackle Europa League winners Sevilla in the UEFA Super Cup in August.
That will however depend on whether the former Leicester City man remains at the Etihad Stadium during the summer transfer window as he has been heavily linked with a moved to Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ahli.
