Rayan Cherki and Savinho help Manchester City edge past Brentford into EFL Cup semis | OneFootball

Manchester City booked their place in the last four of the 2025-26 EFL Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Wednesday.

The sides were in contrasting forms leading up to the clash as City sought a sixth straight win across all competitions, while Brentford were aiming to snap their three-game winless run.

Despite Brentford’s bright start, Manchester City had the game’s first crack at goal through Rayan Cherki, who dragged an effort wide from the edge of the box.

Albeit with minimal threat, Oscar Bobb produced the first effort on target, but had to leave the field moments later due to an injury, with Phil Foden coming on.

Having been a spectator for large spells of the opening exchanges, James Trafford needed to be sharp in the 19th minute to repel Mathias Jensen’s free-kick attempt

Cherki had his second bite at the cherry 24 minutes in, and despite getting his effort on target this time around, the Frenchman came away empty-handed.

City were increasingly looking the likelier of the two sides to grab the opening goal which eventually came in some style.

Third time was the time for Cherki, who unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner after Savinho’s delivery was headed out by Michael Kayode.

Pep Guardiola’s men remained in the ascendancy following their opener but were unable to add to their lead before the half-time whistle.

Picking up where they left off in the first half, City started the second period on the front foot. Nico O’Reilly tested Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson with a long-range effort.

Down the other end, Kristoffer Ajer also tried his luck from distance, after which Kayode saw an effort saved.

Since coming on for Bobb, Foden had cut a peripheral figure but drew a fine save out of Valdimarsson just shy of the half’s midway point.

With Brentford intensifying their search for an equaliser, the Bees were caught on the counter as Savinho raced through on goal before unleashing a strike which deflected off Ajer into the back of the net.

Now in possession of a two-goal advantage, City could afford to take their foot off the gas a bit with game management now the priority.

Brentford were unable to conjure up any real attacking momentum in the final knockings of the contest as City recorded consecutive clean sheets for the first time since October.

For City, the attention now shifts to Saturday’s home Premier League clash against West Ham United, while Brentford are in action at Molineux Stadium.