Gundogan scores twice as Man City beat Man United at Wembley to win FA Cup

Manchester City's relentless pursuit of glory reached new heights as they clinched a thrilling victory over their arch-rivals, Manchester United, in the FA Cup final.

The match was an exhilarating rollercoaster of emotions, with Ilkay Gundogan etching his name into the record books just seconds after the kickoff.

City's astonishing campaign had already seen them successfully defend their Premier League title, and now they stood on the precipice of something truly historic - an unprecedented treble of major trophies, with only the elusive Champions League crown eluding them.

The stage was set for Gundogan's heroics, as he seized the spotlight and etched his name in FA Cup folklore.

The captain wasted no time, burying the ball into the back of the net a mere 13 seconds after the referee's whistle pierced the air.

The lightning-fast strike shattered the previous record for the quickest goal in an FA Cup final, leaving spectators breathless with awe and anticipation.

However, Manchester United, determined not to succumb to their rivals, refused to back down. Against the run of play, they were awarded a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes calmly converted in the 33rd minute. The momentum swayed, and the game took an unexpected turn, threatening City's treble dreams.

Yet, champions rise above adversity, and Gundogan was not finished with his heroics. In the 51st minute, he found himself in the right place at the right time, meeting a sublime cross from Kevin De Bruyne. With a scrappy left-footed volley, he sent the ball bobbling through a sea of defenders and past the outstretched hands of the United goalkeeper. It may not have been the prettiest of goals, but it was one that etched itself into the annals of history.

United, once the guardians of the prestigious league-FA Cup-European Cup treble, now found themselves relying on a favor from Inter Milan in the upcoming Champions League final. The fate of their treble dreams hung precariously in the balance.

The FA Cup final showcased the clash of the Manchester titans, with illustrious figures like Prince William and David Beckham watching intently from the stands. The atmosphere crackled with electricity as the two teams battled fiercely, leaving no stone unturned in their quest for victory.

The match unfolded in breathtaking fashion, with chances galore for both sides. City threatened to run riot in the opening minutes, with Rodri, Jack Grealish, Haaland, and De Bruyne all coming agonizingly close to finding the back of the net. But fate dealt a surprising blow when Grealish was penalized for a possible handball, leading to Fernandes' equalizer.

As the second half commenced, City reestablished their dominance, demonstrating the true mettle of champions. Once again, Gundogan emerged as the catalyst, latching onto De Bruyne's exquisite chipped pass. With a left-footed volley that lacked the elegance of his previous strike, he defied the odds and nestled the ball into the back of the net.

Gundogan's heroics were not confined to the attacking end. Denied a well-deserved hat-trick by an offside flag, he exemplified his versatility and determination to make a difference in every facet of the game.

With the minutes ticking down, City faced anxious moments as United pressed for an equalizer. Alejandro Garnacho's curling shot narrowly missed the target, while a goalmouth scramble in stoppage time had City's faithful collectively holding their breath. But their crossbar proved to be a guardian, deflecting the ball away and preserving City's hard-fought victory.

The final whistle unleashed a tidal wave of euphoria as City's players sprinted from the halfway line, engulfed in jubilation. Their supporters waved blue and white flags with unbridled pride, reveling in the momentous achievement that lay before them.

Amidst the celebrations, Gundogan stood at the heart of it all, a true embodiment of City's triumph. His future at the club remained uncertain, with speculations of a departure after the Champions League final. Regardless of what awaits him, he will forever be remembered as a club great, having left an indelible mark on City's journey to greatness.

In the wake of their FA Cup triumph, City's remarkable season stands as a testament to their unwavering commitment and determination. Despite the Premier League charging the club with numerous financial breaches, City vehemently denies any wrongdoing. Their triumphs on the pitch have solidified their legacy, and they now stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the most illustrious teams in English football history.

With their sights firmly set on the elusive Champions League glory, City's mission for immortality reaches its climax. Pep Guardiola, the mastermind behind their success, has meticulously crafted a team that epitomizes brilliance and ambition. As the final whistle echoed through the stadium, City's players reveled in their hard-earned victory, savouring the taste of triumph and yearning for more.

The stage is set for Istanbul, where City's destiny awaits. A city, a team, and a legion of devoted fans united in their quest for greatness. The treble of major trophies beckons, and Manchester City stands on the cusp of etching their name in the annals of footballing history.