Manchester City clinched a dramatic 7-6 victory over Manchester United in the first-ever Manchester Derby decided by a penalty shootout, securing their seventh Community Shield title.
The triumph also marked City’s third Shield win under Pep Guardiola, ending a streak of three consecutive losses in the competition.
The match, a rare rematch of the previous season’s FA Cup finalists, saw City dominate early possession with a blend of youth and experience.
Oscar Bobb was particularly threatening, narrowly missing the target with a shot over the bar and later setting up James McAtee, whose attempt struck the post.
United, however, gained momentum late in the first half, with Marcus Rashford coming close to scoring.
The second half began with United looking more composed. Bruno Fernandes thought he had given his team the lead with a brilliant strike, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
The game became more open after several substitutions, with Rashford hitting the post and Alejandro Garnacho breaking the deadlock in the 82nd minute by slipping the ball past Ederson.
City, however, found an equalizer in the 89th minute through Bernardo Silva’s powerful header, pushing the match to penalties.
After seven rounds of spot-kicks, Jonny Evans missed for United, and Manuel Akanji converted the decisive penalty, handing City a much-needed victory and ending their six-year drought in the Community Shield.
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