City overcome Brentford to reach Carabao Cup semis | OneFootball

Rayan Cherki shone as Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a deserved 2-0 win over Brentford on Wednesday night.

City, who had not reached the last four of the competition since completing four successive triumphs in 2021, will now face Newcastle over two legs for a place at Wembley.

Brentford began the game on the front foot and caused City a few early problems, but they failed to make their pressure count.

Once City settled, Cherki began to find space, forcing stand-in goalkeeper Hákon Valdimarsson into a smart save with a rising effort.

The breakthrough arrived just after the half-hour mark and it was well worth the wait. Picking up a loose clearance on the edge of the area, Cherki shifted the ball onto his right foot and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner, leaving Valdimarsson with no chance.

There was controversy before the opener when Brentford were left furious after Abdukodir Khusanov received only a yellow card for tripping Kevin Schade as he broke towards goal. With no VAR in operation, referee Sam Barrott stuck with his on-field decision despite strong protests from the visitors.

City controlled much of the second half, although Brentford were not without their moments. Nico O’Reilly tested Valdimarsson from distance, while at the other end James Trafford produced an excellent full-stretch save to deny Kristoffer Ajer.

Any lingering doubt was settled on 67 minutes when Savinho’s shot took a hefty deflection and looped over Valdimarsson into the net.

City now move one step closer to another Wembley appearance.

Incidents: The story of the match

1':

The match begins

13':

Missed opportunity. Rayan Cherki from Manchester City took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide to the right. The assist came from Rico Lewis.

22':

Missed opportunity! Savinho from Manchester City took a right-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it went wide.

26':

Missed opportunity! Tijjani Reijnders of Manchester City took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it sailed over the bar. The chance was set up by Rayan Cherki, who delivered a cross after a corner kick.

Manchester City takes the lead with a score of 1-0 against Brentford. Rayan Cherki scores with a right-footed strike from outside the penalty area after a corner kick.

32':

GOAL Manchester City: Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) scores!

Rayan Cherki scores goal number 2 in the competition (2 matches)

Manchester City leads Brentford 2-0. Savinho scores with a left-footed strike from the left side of the penalty area after a swift counterattack.

67':

GOAL Manchester City: Savinho (Manchester City) scores!

Savinho scores goal number 2 in the competition (2 matches)

69':

Missed opportunity! Divine Mukasa from Manchester City took a left-footed shot from outside the penalty area, but it didn't hit the target.

76':

Missed opportunity! Josko Gvardiol from Manchester City took a left-footed shot from the center of the box, but it narrowly went wide to the left. The chance was set up by Nathan Aké after a corner kick.

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match