The incident occurred early in the match, with the score at 0-0. Kevin Schade had an opportunity to break free and face the goalkeeper, but Abdukodir Khusanov fouled him. The referee issued only a yellow card to the Man City defender, despite protests from Brentford's bench.

Abdukodir Khusanov fouls Kevin Schade and receives a yellow card during Man City's 2-0 victory over Brentford in the League Cup quarterfinals at Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England on 17/12.

After the match, Brentford manager Keith Andrews argued that this was a pivotal moment influencing the game's outcome, stating Khusanov should have been sent off. After the Uzbekistan international avoided a red card, Man City scored two goals through Rayan Cherki and Savinho, securing their place in the semifinals.

"That incident happened around the 15th or 16th minute. I usually defend referees, but this time I believe they were wrong," Andrews said. "The explanation that the situation was too far from goal is unconvincing. If Schade had gotten past, it was a clear goal-scoring opportunity."

Brentford remained in Manchester to prepare for their match against Wolves in round 17 of the Premier League on 20/12, and were reportedly set to use Man City's City Football Academy (CFA) training center.

When asked about Andrews's comments, Guardiola responded with a mix of humor and seriousness: "Tomorrow at the training ground, I will invite him to a coffee shop, and we will discuss that incident."

Manager Pep Guardiola (right) shakes hands with Keith Andrews after the match. Photo: Independent

Manager Pep Guardiola (right) shakes hands with Keith Andrews after the match. Photo: Independent

Guardiola also expressed satisfaction with his ability to rotate the squad and rest key players, as Man City enters a period of dense fixtures. The 54-year-old manager praised the team's focus, including players who came off the bench. "Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, and some other players have been playing constantly and need to be physically ready," he said. "The upcoming schedule is truly crazy."

Ahead of the Brentford match, Guardiola made seven changes to the starting lineup from the 3-0 Premier League win against Crystal Palace. Nico O’Reilly, Tijjani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, and Rayan Cherki all retained their starting spots. John Stones, Rodri, and Jeremy Doku were absent due to injuries, while Omar Marmoush (Egypt) and Rayan Ait-Nouri (Algeria) had returned to join their national teams for the Africa Cup.

According to the draw results, Man City will face defending champions Newcastle in the League Cup semifinals. The first leg is scheduled for the week starting 12/1/2026 at St James’ Park, before the two teams meet again at the Etihad in the week starting 2/2.

The League Cup also has one remaining quarterfinal match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on 23/12. The winner will face Chelsea in the semifinals.

Hong Duy