Manchester City faced Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup semifinal tonight at Wembley Stadium and secured a 2-0 victory, advancing to the final and moving one step closer to defending their title in the competition.

City dominated from the start. Under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, they controlled the game completely. Forest, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, struggled defensively and lacked key players, leaving them under constant pressure.

Just two minutes into the match, Rico Lewis scored! After receiving a short pass from Mateo Kovačić, he placed a calm and precise shot into the bottom left corner of Matz Sels’ goal, putting City ahead 1-0.

After the early goal, City maintained nearly 75% possession, keeping the game in Forest’s half. Forest, failing to register a single shot on target, remained entirely defensive.

City’s defense, led by Joško Gvardiol and Manuel Akanji, easily neutralized Forest’s sporadic attacks. In the 10th minute, Chris Wood attempted a solo run but his pass to Morgan Gibbs-White was intercepted by Kovačić.

City relied on possession and short passes to control the game but lacked precision in the final third. Forest, making their first FA Cup semifinal appearance since the 1990-91 season, was overwhelmed by City’s dominance.

The first half ended with City leading 1-0.

The second half saw a more aggressive Forest. Nuno made a substitution, bringing on Anthony Elanga for Danilo in the 46th minute to strengthen the attack. However, the change had no immediate impact.

In the 50th minute, City had a great chance to extend their lead. Matheus Nunes forced a save from Sels, and Kovačić’s rebound was blocked by Zak Abbott. City players appealed for a handball, but the referee dismissed the claim.

In the 51st minute, City doubled their lead. Gvardiol headed in a powerful corner from Omar Marmoush, making it 2-0 and dimming Forest’s hopes of a comeback.

Forest responded in the 55th minute. Gibbs-White hit the crossbar with a spectacular volley. In the 63rd minute, City threatened again as Marmoush forced another save from Sels.

In the 65th minute, Gibbs-White missed another chance after Gvardiol’s mistake. In the 69th minute, Forest hit the woodwork again through Taiwo Awoniyi.

Despite late efforts, the score remained 2-0, sending City to the final.

Goal Descriptions

Nottingham Forest 0-1 Manchester City

Rico Lewis scored with a calm and precise shot into the bottom left corner after receiving a short pass from Mateo Kovačić.

Nottingham Forest 0-2 Manchester City

Joško Gvardiol headed in a powerful corner from Omar Marmoush, sealing City’s place in the final.