Manchester City Secure Champions League Spot with Dominant Win Over Fulham on Final Day

Manchester City secured their place in next season’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) with a 2-0 victory over Fulham, marking their 18th consecutive win against the Cottagers across all competitions.

Given they only required a single point to guarantee a UCL spot, it would have been easy to expect a cautious approach from City.

However, there was nothing timid about their start. Despite this, they mirrored their previous away match against Southampton by struggling with efficiency in the final third. The first moment of brilliance arrived in the 20th minute, leading to the opening goal.

Matheus Nunes surged in from the right, and after Bernd Leno denied his initial chip, Ilkay Gundogan acrobatically volleyed the rebound in off the underside of the bar.

This goal provided City with a crucial cushion as they aimed for a top-five finish, though they were not in a comfortable position when play resumed, as Fulham nearly equalised.

The ball fell kindly to Harry Wilson at the far post, but City were rescued by Ederson’s stretched hand.

After taking the lead, City appeared to retreat somewhat and were nearly caught out before halftime when Tom Cairney, in his last match for Fulham, curled an effort just past the post.

The game’s pattern remained similar after the interval, with Fulham continuing to push for an equaliser and creating an excellent chance under somewhat fortunate circumstances.

Wilson’s cross was partially cleared, landing perfectly for Andreas Pereira, but his shot was deflected wide by Manuel Akanji. The Cottagers had several chances, and Raul Jimenez squandered a golden opportunity when he managed to beat the advancing Ederson to the ball, but couldn’t lift it over him into the open net.

Marco Silva’s team faced a harsh setback as they soon found themselves two goals down.

Sasa Lukic brought down Gundogan in the box, and after controversially not taking a penalty in last weekend’s FA Cup final, Erling Haaland confidently stepped up to convert from 12 yards, sealing the game for City.

With their place in the top five confirmed, City eased off and seized the opportunity to bring on Kevin De Bruyne one last time before his anticipated exit.

As City celebrated their Champions League qualification and Fulham achieved a club-record points tally in the Premier League, both teams can reflect positively on this season.

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