Chapter 575: Defending the Premier League Title
At the end of the match, a heated conflict erupted between the players on the field. Otamendi and Fellaini shoved each other, leading to a gathering of players from both teams. Ultimately, the referee showed a direct red card to Fellaini and a yellow card to United captain Bruno. Fortunately, this yellow card would not affect Bruno since accumulated yellow cards were reset after the semifinals. For City, Otamendi received a second yellow card and was sent off, and Kyle Walker was also shown a yellow card.
"This is quite a drama," Jian Jun sarcastically commented.
"Otamendi started trouble with Fellaini, sparking the conflict. I don't know if Otamendi regrets it now, but Guardiola must be furious," Jian Jun continued.
De Bruyne's red card would certainly lead to a suspension and possibly further sanctions. Otamendi's red card meant he would also be suspended according to UEFA's rules, missing the first match of the new Champions League season. For City, this was a double blow.
United were also not unscathed. Fellaini's red card meant he would be suspended for the next Champions League match, which was the final. Fortunately for Mourinho, Fellaini was not a key starter, or he would have been even more frustrated.
At the post-match press conference, City manager Guardiola criticized the referee's decisions, questioning the validity of United's second goal and the red card shown to De Bruyne. The exchange between Guardiola and Mourinho was intense.
"I saw it clearly; Fellaini fouled De Bruyne," Guardiola angrily stated. "De Bruyne's red card was a mistake; he was the victim."
Mourinho retorted, "Yes, the victim who pushed Fellaini down."
Guardiola snapped, "Do I have to spell it out? Your number 27 is a trash-talking player."
Mourinho, equally angry, shot back, "Be careful with your accusations. You better have proof, or I'll sue you for defamation. The referee was right there, so ask him if Fellaini did anything."
Ignoring Mourinho, Guardiola said, "These blatant errors in the match will not go unanswered."
Mourinho, feigning innocence, declared, "United never complains because we believe in fairness and transparency."
Infuriated, Guardiola stormed out of the press room, not wanting to see Mourinho's face any longer.
The day after the match, City fans were still struggling to accept the reality: their team had lost to United yet again, making it five times in one season.
Supportive City media directed their anger at referee Felix Brych, insisting United's second goal was preceded by a foul and defending De Bruyne's actions. The Manchester Evening News harshly criticized Fellaini, calling him a player lacking basic morals and suggesting he should be permanently banned.
However, the official referee report post-match indicated that Fellaini did not provoke De Bruyne.
"United's number 27 did not engage in inappropriate behavior towards City's number 17," Brych's report stated.
The Guardian defended Fellaini, accusing some media of deliberately smearing him and United, calling it an attack on a player with gentlemanly conduct.
Kante was the biggest beneficiary from this match. His outstanding performance significantly raised his profile in the football world. Since joining United, he had received greater attention, and his superb display in the Champions League semifinal against City, capped by a stunning goal, made headlines globally. "No obstacle too great, only Kante," became a widespread saying in football circles.
The Champions League official website showered Kante with praise: "Relentless running, tireless effort, building a shield in front of the defense, and scoring a golden goal at a crucial moment. He was the best player on the field."
A day before, Real Madrid had drawn 2-2 with Bayern Munich at the Bernabeu, advancing to the Champions League final. Thus, United's opponent in the final would be Real Madrid, marking their third consecutive appearance in the final.
The showdown between United and Real Madrid, two of the top football powerhouses, greatly heightened the anticipation for this year's Champions League final.
Fans worldwide eagerly awaited the clash on May 26 at Kiev's Olympic National Sports Complex. Would Real Madrid secure a historic third consecutive Champions League title, or would United claim their fourth? Additionally, the matchup between Bruno and Ronaldo, Portugal's twin stars, drew significant attention, with both vying for the title of the best in Europe in 2018, and possibly the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year.
However, as a World Cup year, the final decision on these awards could still be influenced by outstanding performances in the upcoming tournament.
While the Champions League final was highly anticipated, United had more immediate concerns, needing at least a point in the upcoming Premier League match to clinch the league title.
United's next match was scheduled for Sunday, but before they even played, they were crowned champions.
On May 6, at 1:30 PM local time, Manchester City faced Huddersfield Town at the Etihad Stadium. Having suffered a heavy blow in the Champions League, City's morale was low, and they were held to a 0-0 draw at home.
As a result, the highest possible points City could achieve this season was 97, meaning United, with 99 points, had already secured the Premier League title.
City's failure handed United the championship, catching United by surprise and leaving Brighton, their next opponents, frustrated. According to Premier League tradition, Brighton would now have to form a guard of honor to welcome the new champions before the match—a role no team relishes.