At 18:30 Lithuanian time, the final tournament match of the English League Cup was played at Wembley stadium between "Manchester United" and "Southampton" players. "The Red Devils" managed to overcome a two-goal lead, but Zlatan Ibrahimovic's goal at the end of the match secured victory with a score of 3-2.
The match started with both teams playing evenly. Both "United" and "Southampton" were visiting their opponents' penalty area and trying to create scoring opportunities.
However, Manchester's team was the first to test the opponents' goalkeeper. Paul Pogba took a long shot, but it went straight to Fraser Forster, who dealt with the situation confidently.
Meanwhile, in the 10th minute, the first goal fell - Manolo Gabbiadini received a pass from the edge and directed the ball towards the goal, but it was not counted due to offside. However, the replay showed that there was no violation of the rules.
In the 19th minute, Zlatan Ibrahimovic had his say. The Swede took a penalty shot from about 25 meters away and technically sent the ball into the goal, leading "The Red Devils" ahead.
In the 28th minute, David De Gea was forced to rescue his team. James Ward Prowse took a shot from outside the penalty area towards the bottom corner, but the Spaniard played confidently and defended his goal.
Just four minutes later, D. De Gea received applause again for excellent play. Dusan Tadic received a pass in the penalty area and without waiting, took a shot, but D. De Gea saved the ball with his feet, which he held in his hands a few moments later.
In the 38th minute, "United" doubled their lead. Jessie Lingard, in the penalty area, received a pass from Marcos Rojo and with a weak but precise shot, directed the ball into the bottom corner of the goal. This was J. Lingard's third goal at Wembley Stadium.
Even in added time, "Southampton" improved their situation when the same M. Gabbiadini scored a goal. The Italian once again received a pass from the edge and facing D. De Gea, directed the ball into the goal.
These events marked the end of the first half. Despite "United" having a one-goal advantage, the Manchester club did not demonstrate dominant play in the penalty area. "Southampton" was more active, creating several dangerous half-chances, while "Manchester United" failed to create more serious attacks apart from scoring goals.
The second half started more actively for "Southampton" as well. Already in the 47th minute, Nathaniel Redmond took an excellent shot from the air, but it was saved by D. De Gea.
However, just a minute later, the score became equal. A corner kick landed in the penalty area, and M. Gabbiadini, turning, took a shot that D. De Gea did not react to, and the ball landed in the goal.
"United" regained the lead only after some time, when in the 59th minute, Z. Ibrahimovic almost took advantage of F. Forster's mistake. Zlatan was left one-on-one with the goalkeeper, but he left the goal on time and neutralized the danger.
In the 63rd minute, Manchester's team was saved by the crossbar. Immediately after another corner kick, Oriol Romero took a header shot, but the ball hit the crossbar and the score remained unchanged.
In the 77th minute, J. Lingard had another opportunity. Again, in the penalty area, he received a pass, had enough time to adjust, and take a shot, but his shot went wide of the goal.
As the match approached its end, "United" took the initiative. In the 84th minute, once again, it was Manchester's team that created another attack, which ended with Marcus Rashford's shot. His shot was saved by F. Forster.
In the 87th minute, Z. Ibrahimovic's star shone brightly again. Ander Herrera made a high pass towards the penalty area, where Z. Ibrahimovic was left completely free. Zlatan took a header shot and cold-bloodedly defeated F. Forster.
Unable to find the strength, "Southampton" players were unable to create any chances in the remaining time, and "Manchester United" secured their second trophy of the season.
Result:
"Man Utd" 3 - 2 "Southampton"
19' [1 - 0] Z. Ibrahimovic
38' [2 - 0] J. Lingard
45' [2 - 1] M. Gabbiadini
48' [2 - 2] M. Gabbiadini
87' [3 - 2] Z. Ibrahimovic
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