Manchester City secured their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals for the first time since 2021, overcoming Brentford 2-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday. Goals from Rayan Cherki and Savinho sealed the victory, propelling Pep Guardiola's side closer to another Wembley appearance.
Brentford started the match brightly, showing early promise and posing a threat to City's defense. However, they failed to capitalize on their early pressure. City gradually asserted their dominance, with Oscar Bobb registering the first shot on target in the 15th minute, though his attempt was easily handled by Brentford goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson. A moment of controversy arose when Abdukodir Khusanov received a yellow card for a foul on Kevin Schade, with some arguing it could have been a red card.
The game was temporarily disrupted when Oscar Bobb was forced off the field due to injury, with Phil Foden replacing him in the 20th minute. Brentford's Mathias Jensen then tested City's goalkeeper James Trafford with a free-kick, but Trafford proved equal to the task.
Rayan Cherki broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute with a stunning strike. Collecting the ball on the edge of the area after a cleared corner, Cherki shifted onto his right foot and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner, giving Valdimarsson no chance. Cherki celebrated with Erling Haaland’s trademark robot celebration, acknowledging the City striker who was rested on the bench.
After the break, Brentford emerged with renewed vigor, and Kristoffer Ajer and Michael Kayode both had efforts saved by Trafford. City doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Savinho's shot took a significant deflection off Ajer, looping over Valdimarsson and into the net.
Guardiola had made seven changes to the side that beat Crystal Palace in their previous Premier League match. Savinho, one of those brought into the starting eleven, delivered an impressive performance, staking his claim for a more regular role in the team. He led the team in shots (4), successful dribbles (7), touches in the opposition box (7), and duels won (11). However, he also lost possession 21 times, more than any other City player.
Following the match, Guardiola lauded Cherki's exceptional talent, particularly his ability in the opponent's 18-yard box. Brentford head coach Keith Andrews, while acknowledging City's quality, questioned a key refereeing decision. City now await the semi-final draw to discover their next opponents in the two-legged tie.
