Manchester City made history on 25/4 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, London. The win marks their fourth consecutive appearance in the competition's final, a first for any club. Despite trailing late in the second half, City netted two goals in 5 minutes to overcome a resilient Southampton side and advance.

Leo Scienza put the ball into the net but was ruled offside, in Southampton's 1-2 loss to Man City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium, London, England on 25/4. Photo: Reuters

Coach Pep Guardiola surprised many by making 9 changes to the starting lineup compared to the recent 1-0 Premier League win against Burnley. This extensive rotation, featuring players like James Trafford, Matheus Nunes, Nathan Ake, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Mateo Kovacic, Tijjani Reijnders, and Omar Marmoush, prompted speculation: was it a tactical gamble or a necessary move given City's tight Premier League title race against Arsenal? The changes set the stage for a challenging match against Southampton, a team enjoying a 20-match unbeaten run across all competitions and fresh off a 2-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal.

Southampton began with confidence, even finding the net in the 12th minute when Leo Scienza finished diagonally past Trafford, though the goal was disallowed for offside. This early scare underscored the bold approach coach Tonda Eckert had advocated. Man City, uncharacteristically, struggled to control the midfield. However, their quality still produced chances; Marmoush had a goal disallowed for offside, and Reijnders hit the woodwork, narrowly missing an opener.

Finn Azaz curled the ball to open the scoring. Photo: Reuters

The second half saw Man City's attacking players, Marmoush and Reijnders, squander further opportunities. These missed chances proved costly in the 79th minute when Finn Azaz delivered a moment of brilliance. He spun and curled a right-footed shot from over 20 meters, sending the ball perfectly into the top corner, beyond Trafford's reach. The Southampton faithful erupted, singing their anthem, "When the Saints Go Marching In".

However, Southampton's lead lasted just three minutes. Jeremy Doku, driving down the left wing, cut inside and unleashed a shot that deflected off James Bree, leaving goalkeeper Daniel Peretz helpless. The deflection leveled the score.

The drama intensified in the 87th minute. Doku again provided the spark, delivering a well-placed pass to Nico Gonzalez, who fired a powerful long-range shot from about 30 meters. The ball arrowed into the net, sealing the comeback and shattering Southampton's resilient efforts in mere minutes.

Man City players celebrate Nico Gonzalez's winning goal. Photo: Danehouse

The seven minutes of added time were a chaotic flurry of chances for both sides. But when referee Craig Pawson blew the final whistle, the relief and joy belonged solely to Man City, while Southampton's players and fans, many of whom remembered their FA Cup triumph half a century ago, stood stunned in regret.

Post-match, Guardiola shared a moment with the 33-year-old Eckert, who, despite his recent appointment, had nearly orchestrated another major upset. Man City's victory secures their place in a fourth consecutive FA Cup final. Their previous three finals saw them lose 0-1 to Crystal Palace, 1-2 to Man Utd, and win 2-1 against Man Utd.

This year, they will face either Chelsea or Leeds in the final at Wembley next month.

Hong Duy