The Rodri redemption: From Champions League snub to delivering the Treble

Twice in the first-half Rodri was simply hustled out of possession and ended up stumbling over. Both times, Inter were presented with chances they did not take. It was such a shock to see Rodri so uncomfortable.

“I wasn’t good in the first-half, I was playing s—,” Rodri said which was harsh but unfortunately accurate as was his verdict: “Finals are like this. You can’t expect to play well as always. Emotions and nerves are there.”

Sometimes, therefore, you have to win ugly and sometimes those wins come from the most unlikely of sources. It is not always about Haaland’s goals and overpowering opponents as City had done so spectacularly in the knock-out ties leading to this final.

This time Inter provided something different. They were tactically far more organised; they possessed a greater edge (except in front of goal) and this was a final, as Rodri said, and finals are rarely processions.

When he signed for City, Rodri said that joining was “the best decision I have made in my career”. He has proven, especially in the past two seasons, to be one of their greatest signings under Guardiola which is high praise indeed.

City will have been delighted Rodri signed a new, extended contract last year that reinforced how vital he is. It is Rodri who is the oil in this slickest of machines.

Even now it feels extraordinary that he did not feature for one single minute of the final two years ago. Yes, Guardiola could not resist making a change again but he was never going to leave Rodri out. No chance.

It was a formality that the 26-year-old was named man-of-the-match. So often on such occasions it simply goes to the goalscorer but this was his game, this was his final and this was him completing that incredible Treble for his club by finding the net and gradually helping City find their way.

“We want more. More ambition. It’s a dream,” Rodri said. “(But) this moment will never happen again.” The compass led the way. He found the direction, there was no confusion this time, and the renaissance is complete.