The protagonist, Rodri, won the match in Istanbul and once again proved his worth and importance to Pep Guardiola's team. Photo: Getty Images/Matteo Ciambelli
Rhodri's revival is complete. Oddly enough, he did not feature in the last Champions League final for Manchester City with unanswered questions about whether he was fit, was he fit, or was Pep Guardiola just Pep Guardiola and believed he could cope with. without a defensive midfielder.
In any case, Rodri did not start against Chelsea in Lisbon in 2021 and did not even reach the final when City went to the final. Thus, Chelsea scored the only goal through the middle of the field, naturally taking advantage of a hole the size of Rodri. They couldn't believe their luck.
Two years later, Rodri's place is simply too big, too indispensable, no matter how strong City's bench is, and he's a midfielder who probably more than anyone reminds Guardiola as a player. Rodri also won all four cup finals he played for City.
But the most revealing statistics came out when the command list was delivered. It was Rodri's 52nd start of the season for City in all competitions. In Guardiola's 15-year coaching career, the only outfield player to have more games under him in a single campaign was Lionel Messi in 2011-2012 (57). It really speaks for itself.
The midfielder is Guardiola's favorite player and now he is also the match winner, scoring the biggest goal in the club's history. “I'm emotional, it's a dream come true. I've only been here four years and these fans have been waiting 30, 40 years,» the Spaniard later said.
With a precious goal, Rodri majestically delivered the last remaining prize that eluded City in the competition as their frustration almost took above them and pulled them down.
Instead, Rodri ran after Bernardo. Silva finally broke free. Silva was looking for Haaland, but the pullback was distracted by the striker, who threw his hands up in the air claiming handball. He looked crazy, but all eyes were on the ball. He freed himself, and—this time—Rhodri broke the shackles himself. Others would score a shot. Rodri hit hard and the net bulged, completing City's signature move.Match winning moment Rodri shoots and shoots Manchester City to win triple glory. Photo: Getty Images/Matthew Ashton
So many times Rodri has been City's compass, especially in this campaign, and once again he led the way, but this time with a goal rather than an assist. Guardiola calls it «imperial» and it was at the moment when the calmest head and the most precise finish were needed.
Man City lead the Champions League final! 🤩
Rodri breaks the deadlock and scores a powerful goal for his club! ⚽️#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/DyTitSzOyu
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) June 10, 2023
There were players everywhere in front of him, six just in the six-yard area plus goaltender Andre. Onan, and it would be easy to rush in and kick the ball into one of them. Instead, Rodri chose his place by scoring his second Champions League goal. What a moment to state it.
Rodri's importance to City was underlined by the way Inter Milan chose to deal with him and, frankly, who knows how Calvin Phillips hopes to get into the team ahead of him. But that's for another time.
Truth be told, Guardiola helped Inter with his surprise decision, another rework, to leave Kyle Walker on the sidelines and ask John Stones to come into midfield from right-back, rather than central midfield. He eventually fixed it.
This left Rodri more isolated in the center and Inter's game plan was clear. They put pressure on him. Not just one or two, but sometimes even three, when they crowded around him, realizing that he liked time and space, to turn around and choose his option.
Early on, Rodri lost possession of the ball when Inter players forced him out. Photo: Getty Images/Shaun Botterill
Twice in the first half, Rodri simply lost possession and ended up tripping. Both times Inter were given chances that they didn't take advantage of. It was such a shock when Rodri felt so uncomfortable.
«I wasn't good in the first half, I played shit,» Rodri said sharply, but unfortunately exactly like his words. Verdict: “The finals are like that. You cannot expect to play well as always. There are emotions and nerves.”
So sometimes you have to win outrageously, and sometimes those wins come from the most unexpected sources. It's not always about Haaland's goals and beating the opposition, as City have been so spectacularly successful in the knockouts leading up to this final.
This time around, Inter have presented something different. Tactically they were much more organized; they had the bigger advantage (other than the goal) and it was the final, as Rhodri said, and finals are rarely processions.
When he signed for City, Rodri said the move was «the best decision I've made in my career». He has proven, especially in the last two seasons, to be one of their best signings under Guardiola, which is indeed high praise.
The city will be delighted that Rodri signed a new, extended contract last year which reinforced how vital he is. It is Rodri who serves as the oil in this brilliant car.
Even now it seems incredible that two years ago he did not participate for one minute in the final. Yes, Guardiola couldn't resist a new replacement, but he never intended to lose sight of Rodri. No chance.
It was a formality that the 26-year-old was named Man of the Match. Very often in such cases it just goes to the scorer, but it was his game, it was his final, and he completed that incredible treble for his club, finding the goal and gradually helping City find their way.
< p > “We want more. More ambition. It's a dream,» Rodri said. «(But) this moment will never happen again.» The compass pointed the way. He found the direction, this time there was no confusion, and the renaissance is complete.
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