Rayan Cherki scored a stunning opener as Manchester City beat Brentford 2-0 to reach the Carabao Cup semifinals and set up a clash with Newcastle.
Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup semifinals with a controlled 2-0 win over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium. Rayan Cherki’s superb first half strike set the tone before Savinho sealed progress after the break. Pep Guardiola’s side avoided any late drama to reach the last four for the first time since 2021.
City came into the tie amid a demanding December schedule and Guardiola again rotated his squad. Erling Haaland and Phil Foden started on the bench, while James Trafford started in goal. Brentford arrived with confidence but soon found space hard to come by.
Brentford began brightly and pressed City high in the opening stages. Their best early moment came when Kevin Schade was tripped near the box, sparking strong appeals for a red card. With no VAR in operation, the referee showed only yellow and play continued.
City gradually settled and Cherki began to influence the game. Nico O’Reilly and Oscar Bobb both went close before Bobb was forced off injured. Phil Foden replaced him and immediately raised the tempo. After testing Hakon Valdimarsson with a rising effort, the Frenchman struck on 32 minutes. He cut inside from the edge of the box and fired an unstoppable shot into the top corner.
The goal was Cherki’s fifth of the season and underlined his growing importance as he reached 13 goal contributions across all competitions. City reached half time with a 1-0 lead after controlling possession. Brentford remained competitive but lacked a cutting edge.
City continued to dictate play after the restart and created steady pressure. Brentford had moments on the break and Kristoffer Ajer tested Trafford with a fierce drive. At the other end, Valdimarsson produced an excellent save to deny Foden from close range. The visitors stayed in the contest until City struck again.
The second goal arrived on 67 minutes through Savinho. The winger drove inside and shot from range, with a deflection looping the ball over the goalkeeper. That goal effectively ended the contest and confirmed City’s place in the semifinals.
Cherki was central to City’s attacking play throughout his time on the pitch. His movement between the lines caused repeated problems for Brentford’s defence. The opening goal proved decisive on a tight night.
Savinho’s direct running offered a constant threat and was rewarded with the second goal. Trafford also impressed with key saves to preserve the clean sheet. Brentford competed well but could not convert promising moments.
City finished with over 60 percent possession and limited Brentford to just three shots, all of which were on target. Guardiola’s side have now won six straight matches in all competitions. Momentum is building at a crucial stage of the season.
Manchester City will face Newcastle in a two-legged Carabao Cup semifinal. The first leg is scheduled for the week commencing January 12th. A return to Wembley is now within reach.
Before then, City return to Premier League action at home to West Ham on Saturday as they seek to maintain pressure on leaders Arsenal. Brentford travel to Wolves looking to bounce back and refocus on league priorities.
