ePL: Man City crowned 2023/24 champions

A dramatic extra-time goal secured a second ePremier League crown for Manchester City as they won the title on a thrilling Grand Finals day by edging out Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 on aggregate.

An early first-leg strike by Tekkz seemed certain to settle the contest, but Brighton’s Marley levelled matters, with time ebbing away in normal time in the second leg.

But with penalties looming in extra-time, Bonanno took advantage of a rare moment of confusion in the Brighton penalty area to spark City celebrations.

It was a nervy finish for City who had won convincingly against Spurs and Luton in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively, not conceding in either.

But they held firm against a late onslaught from Brighton to become champions for the first time since 2020/21.

Club News Man City eSports make history with ePremier League Finals win External Link

Man City eSports make history with ePremier League Finals win

Incredibly, Bonanno becomes the first player to win three different eLeagues; eLibertadores, eLaLiga and ePremier League.

Tekkz, who was competing for Man City for the first time this season, paid tribute to his new club: "Thank you to Manchester City. They’ve put a lot of trust in us to get the ePremier League and that’s what we’ve done.”

On the dramatic finale to the match, he added: “That was intense. That was the most I’ve celebrated in my life. They say you make your own luck and I think we did in the final a little bit.

“It should’ve been over early. But he [Bonanno} has the ice, he has the composure, and in extra time, that is Matty Bonanno.”

Semi-finals results

Man City 6-0 Luton

An unbeaten Man City reached the final following their 6-0 win over Luton Town.

It was a ruthless display from Bonanno which made the difference, as he set the standard from the get-go. The Argentinian slotted in six goals, leaving LukeDowning helpless and giving a big cushion for team-mate Tekkz in the second leg.

It was an uphill battle for HarveyWxters in the second leg, who was chasing Tekkz’s tail from minute one. But a miracle was needed and failed to materialise, as the second leg finished goalless, moving Man City a step closer to ePL glory.

Brighton 7-3 Liverpool

Brighton were in dreamland as they ran riot in a 7-3 win over Liverpool.

The action began with Liverpool taking the lead, but Dariosh’s opener was soon cancelled out by moments of magic from Marley, whose clinical finishing turned the tie and left the Seagulls flying high with a 4-1 lead.

All eyes then turned to the second leg, as Jayden Groden and Stingrayjnr went toe-to-toe to get their foot in the final. Despite Stingray’s best efforts, it was too little too late as Groden left Liverpool in his tracks with yet another superb goalscoring display - taking his side into the Grand Final.

Quarter-finals results

Man City 7-0 Spurs

Man City got things started in stellar fashion, as they beat Spurs 7-0 over two legs on aggregate.

Tekkz demonstrated why he is considered one of the world’s best, delivering a dominant display that saw five goals fired past Spurs’ Lyricz, giving Man City team-mate, Bonanno, a comfortable lead heading into the decider.

All Bonanno needed to do was tame Tom Leese and, despite constant pressure, he did so as his side sailed through to the semi-finals. The Argentinian settled the tie with two second-half goals, dealing the knockout blow to Spurs’ ePremier League title hopes.

Luton 7-3 West Ham

Luton continued their impressive campaign with a 7-3 aggregate victory over West Ham.

Despite going a goal down early on, HarveyWxters was cool, calm and collected in his leg against BrigArmy17, leaving Luton with a 4-1 lead as he passed the torch on to team-mate, LukeDowning.

Hoping to hold the Hammers off, Downing did so and delivered within 10 minutes, doubling his lead before the break. A third goal of the highest-order left GRK with little to work with, as two well-worked goals proved only to be consolations come full-time.

Brighton 3-2 Wolves

Brighton secured their spot in the semi-finals with a 3-2 win over Wolves.

Both sides started well, but it was Jayden Groden who broke the deadlock. MHaywxrd responded shortly after to level it, but two late goals from Groden saw the Seagulls with one foot in the door after the first leg.

It was down to XKaiHarris to keep Wolves’ hopes alive, and he did not go down easily. A nail-biting game saw the deficit reduced to one goal, with Marley made to work to keep Harris out, defending valiantly to get the crucial victory.

Liverpool 5-4 Man Utd

Liverpool held off a late comeback to beat Man Utd 5-4 in an enthralling encounter.

A thrilling first leg had drama aplenty, with an end-to-end opener between Stringrayjnr and Dragon leaving the two level 2-2 at half-time. Despite action at both ends, strikes from Stingray saw Liverpool run out 4-2 winners heading into the second leg.

With only two goals in it, David Murray still had a chance to turn things around. A cagey first-half display ended goalless, with most of the second half spent in suspense as Murray cooked up an inspired comeback. A 2-1 win for Man Utd was, however, not enough as Liverpool’s Dariosh defended well to get his side over the line.

See: ePL Day 1 review