Bernardo Silva’s 84th-minute strike sent Manchester City to the FA Cup final and kept their hopes of winning two trophies this season alive with a 1-0 win over fellow Premier League side Chelsea.
Midfielder Silva pounced when Kevin De Bruyne’s cross was deflected into his path in front of goal, producing a fierce finish which took a touch off Blues defender Marc Cucurella on its way in.
The victory ended a difficult week for City, coming three days after they were knocked out of the Uefa Champions League quarter-finals on penalties at home to Real Madrid.
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Pep Guardiola’s side will retain the FA Cup if they beat Manchester United or Coventry City, who play their semi-final on Sunday (3.30pm BST).
Chelsea will end Mauricio Pochettino’s first season in charge without a trophy, having lost the Carabo Cup final 1-0 to Liverpool in February and endured an underwhelming top-flight campaign.
Bernardo Silva booked Manchester City’s place in the #FACup final! 🎉#BBCFootball #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/r1UAECsOXH
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) April 20, 2024
Silva FA Cup goal redemption
Silva would have particularly felt City’s failed Champions League title defence, having joined Mateo Kovacic in missing a penalty in the shootout.
For large parts of this quarter-final, City looked on course for another setback as Chelsea had five of the eight attempts on target between the teams.
Pochettino’s players may never have a better chance to win at Wembley, facing a City team who failed to have an accurate attempt during the first half in the absence of top scorer Erling Haaland.
Nicolas Jackson perhaps needs to watch Haaland’s highlights more. The forward should have scored shortly before the interval, going around goalkeeper Stefan Ortega but dithering rather than applying the required ruthless finish.
Nicolas Jackson went close to opening the scoring 😲#BBCFootball #FACup #MCICHE pic.twitter.com/2uPcZQ8Iv5
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 20, 2024
The same story played out in quick succession during the second half when Jackson spurned two fine opportunities, while City were unusually quiet aside from a chance for Phil Foden which the England midfielder could not capitalise on.
With extra time looming, Bernardo Silva punished Chelsea to set up a showdown with the Cityzens’ city rivals or Championship Coventry.
In either case, the Premier League leaders will be favourites – especially if their opponents prove as wasteful as Chelsea.
