Manchester City Ends Champions League Drought With Istanbul Triumph, Secures Treble Against Inter Milan

City replicated Manchester United's triple trophy success of 1999 after clinching the Premier League and FA Cup titles. They became only the second English club to achieve this feat, with Rodri's precise 68th-minute strike settling a hard-fought final and sealing their place in history.

Guardiola's dominant side didn't perform at their peak against a superbly organized Inter team, and their challenge was further hampered by Kevin de Bruyne's first-half injury. However, the legions of City fans inside Ataturk Stadium were unconcerned as they jubilantly celebrated the most glorious night and season in the club's history.

This triumph solidifies Guardiola's status as one of the all-time managerial greats, adding a third Champions League trophy to the two he won during his tenure at Barcelona, the last of which came in 2011.

Contrary to predictions, the match was far from a walkover, and City had to weather a few scares, including Federico Dimarco's header hitting the crossbar and a stunning late save by Ederson to deny Romelu Lukaku. Nevertheless, the ultimate focus was on securing the victory.

The long-awaited moment arrived for Guardiola and his players, despite some late moments of anxiety. When Inter substitute Lukaku failed to convert a header with the goal at his mercy, there was an eruption of joy on the pitch and in the stands at Ataturk Stadium. Finally, they had claimed the elusive giant trophy that had evaded them for so long.

Guardiola had previously stated that his time at Manchester City would be judged on whether he could bring the Champions League to the club. Now, that judgment can be passed. With his success in the competition with both Barcelona and City, he has become an iconic figure in the history of both clubs.

For City, there will always be detractors who view their triumph through the lens of the 115 financial breach charges brought against them by the Premier League, charges that they vehemently deny. However, the night belonged to the club's owners, particularly Sheikh Mansour, who attended only his second game since assuming control in 2008. This was the night they had long planned for, the night when they finally claimed the elusive holy grail. The manner in which the victory was achieved mattered little to City; only the result held significance.

It wasn't a win characterized by the dazzling style and creativity usually associated with City. In fact, for large stretches, it was a scrappy and sloppy performance against a well-drilled Inter side who remained in contention until the final whistle.

Yet, none of those details will overshadow the memories etched in the minds of City's fans. They will forever remember the precise right-foot finish from Rodri, following build-up play by Manuel Akanji and Bernardo Silva, eluding the reach of Inter's exceptional goalkeeper, Andre Onana. And, of course, the iconic lifting of the Champions League trophy.

City flirted with danger in the closing minutes, but when it was all said and done, Guardiola, previously animated in his technical area, remained relatively calm as he sought comforting words from Simone Inzaghi, the opposing manager.

John Stones once again delivered an outstanding performance for City, and goalkeeper Ederson made crucial contributions when called upon.

The celebrations at the final whistle epitomized a magnificent season for City. Finally, they could lay their hands on the Champions League trophy, which will be paraded through the streets of Manchester alongside the Premier League and FA Cup on Monday.