In UEFA Super Cup 2023, Manchester City secured their first win by defeating Sevilla 5-4 in a penalty shootout, following a 1-1 draw. The initial nine penalties were all successful, until Nemanja Gudelj’s shot hit the crossbar, granting City the victory. Sevilla, the Europa League champions, took the lead with Youssef En-Nesyri’s commanding header in the 25th minute. However, City’s 21-year-old Cole Palmer equalized with a header in the 63rd minute. Nathan Ake, a player from last season’s Champions League-winning team, had a chance to seal the victory in added time but his close-range header was saved by Yassine Bounou. 

Legendary Brazilian footballer Pele passed away on December 29 at the age of 82 after battling bowel cancer. A few days back, the football legend’s health deteriorated and doctors had said that he needed care for renal and cardiac dysfunction. He was also undergoing treatment for a respiratory infection that was aggravated by COVID-19