Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth: City Reach FA Cup Semi-Finals After Hard-Fought Win

Manchester City secured their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for the 20th time in their history with a 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth. The win sees Pep Guardiola's side advance to the final four of the competition for the seventh successive year, where they will face Nottingham Forest. Despite a shaky start, City ultimately proved too strong for their hosts, controlling much of the game and registering an xG of 3.43 to Bournemouth's 1.67.

City were made to work for their victory after a missed penalty from Erling Haaland in the 14th minute, as Kepa Arrizabalaga saved the Norwegian's weak effort from the spot. Bournemouth capitalized on the miss and took the lead seven minutes later. Justin Kluivert helped redirect a deep cross from David Brooks, and Evanilson was on hand to tap the ball in from close range, giving the Cherries a surprise 1-0 advantage.

However, City's quality shone through in the second half. Just four minutes after the restart, substitute Matt O'Reilly made an instant impact, delivering a perfect assist for Haaland to equalise. Haaland's joy was short-lived, as the striker limped off injured soon after, but City’s momentum continued. In the 63rd minute, O'Reilly provided another assist, this time for Omar Marmoush, who coolly slotted past Kepa to give City the lead and ultimately the win.

Bournemouth, meanwhile, struggled to create chances, managing just five shots—matching their lowest total under manager Andoni Iraola. Interestingly, the other instance also came against Manchester City in a Premier League meeting back in November 2023. Bournemouth’s wait to reach the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history goes on, as they have now lost all three of their quarter-final appearances (1957, 2021, 2025).

Guardiola’s Manchester City continue their dominance in the FA Cup, with this marking the eighth time they have reached the semi-finals under his management since he took charge in 2016—more than any other team in that period.

City’s focus now shifts back to the Premier League and Champions League, while Bournemouth will look to bounce back in the league as their FA Cup journey ends for another season.

Final score: Manchester City 2-1 Bournemouth.