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Key Points

Manchester City staged a comeback to beat Bournemouth 2-1, booking their seventh straight FA Cup semi-final spot. Haaland equalized after a missed penalty, while substitute Marmoush sealed the win. Academy product O'Reilly shined with two assists in the second half. City will face Nottingham Forest next at Wembley.

Key Points: Man City Beat Bournemouth to Reach Seventh Straight FA Cup SF

  • Haaland nets 30th goal of the season before injury
  • Academy star O'Reilly assists both goals
  • Bournemouth lead early but fall short
  • City set FA Cup semi-final record
2 min read

FA Cup: Manchester City come from behind to defeat Bournemouth, clinch SF berth for seventh consecutive season

Haaland and Marmoush score as Man City come from behind to defeat Bournemouth 2-1, securing a record seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final berth.

"O'Reilly's impact was instant—his cross set up Haaland, then Marmoush for the winner. – Pep Guardiola"

Bournemouth, March 30

Manchester City progressed to the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive season, securing a 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. The match was a thrilling contest, with Erling Haaland's 30th goal of the season and Omar Marmoush sealing the turnaround after Bournemouth had taken the lead.

The game began with both teams in lively spirits, but it was Bournemouth who struck first. After a bright start from City, Haaland missed a penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga and failed to capitalize on a couple of other chances. Moments later, the home side made City pay, with Evanilson converting a rebound off the line in the 21st minute following a Kluivert touch. Despite dominating possession and creating opportunities, City couldn't find the equaliser in the first half, with Kepa proving to be a formidable obstacle.

Pep Guardiola made a change at halftime, bringing on Academy graduate Nico O'Reilly, and it paid off immediately. Just three minutes into the second half, O'Reilly provided a perfect cross for Haaland, who rifled the ball into the net to level the score. Unfortunately for City, Haaland's afternoon took a downturn when he was forced off with an injury in the 61st minute.

However, his replacement, Omar Marmoush, wasted no time making an impact. Just two minutes after coming on, Marmoush latched onto another O'Reilly assist and calmly slotted home to give City the lead. Bournemouth, who had been buoyed by their early goal, pressed for an equaliser but were unable to break through City's defence. Marmoush nearly added a second shortly after, heading just wide before Gundogan's strike hit the post.

Despite a nervy seven minutes of added time, City held firm, and the result secured their spot in the semi-finals once again.

Manchester City will face Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa will take on Crystal Palace at Wembley.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

J
James R.
What a game! Bournemouth really gave City a run for their money in that first half. That Nico O'Reilly sub changed everything though - what a talent! 🔥
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Sarah K.
Concerned about Haaland's injury... hope it's nothing serious. But Marmoush stepping up like that was brilliant! City's squad depth is insane.
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Mike T.
Bournemouth deserved at least a draw here. City got lucky with those two quick goals after the break. The first half showed their defense still has vulnerabilities.
A
Anita P.
Seven straight semi-finals?! That's just ridiculous dominance. Pep's magic never ends. Though I do wish they'd stop making us sweat with these comebacks 😅
D
David L.
Kepa was phenomenal in goal for Bournemouth. That penalty save was world class. Shame the defense couldn't hold on in the second half.
T
Tara B.
O'Reilly with 2 assists in his first big appearance! The academy keeps producing gems. Future looks bright for City even when the old guard moves on.

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