Erling Haaland delivered a stunning performance, scoring a hat trick as Manchester City overwhelmed Liverpool with a 4-0 victory, securing their place in the FA Cup semifinals for the eighth consecutive season.
In addition, Antoine Semenyo also scored, further solidifying City’s quest for a second domestic treble with an impressive display at the Etihad Stadium.
This latest defeat added to the woes of Liverpool, whose struggles this season were evident, especially after Mohamed Salah missed a penalty, brilliantly saved by James Trafford.
Salah, in his first appearance since announcing he would depart the club at the season’s end, faced a disappointing start to his final games with Liverpool.
This result has increased pressure on Liverpool manager Arne Slot as they prepare for a challenging Champions League encounter with Paris Saint-Germain.
Given that City had already triumphed over Liverpool twice earlier this season and have never lost a home FA Cup match under Pep Guardiola, the task was always going to be daunting.
The teams seemed evenly matched initially, but once City took the lead, there was no turning back, with Haaland shining brightest, marking his 12th hat trick for the club.
Among the spectators was an unexpected guest, Sir Alex Ferguson, as both teams threatened early on, with Jérémy Doku and Hugo Ekitike shooting wide from either end.
Matheus Nunes tested Giorgi Mamardashvili with a shot, leading to a swift counterattack that saw Salah on the break.
However, Salah’s attempt was thwarted, going wide after a challenge from Abdukodir Khusanov. Ekitike was also unable to find the target.
City had a penalty claim turned down following a challenge on Rayan Cherki, with Guardiola expressing bemusement over the referee’s decision that was supported by VAR.
However, a clear penalty was awarded when Nico O’Reilly was fouled by Virgil van Dijk, leading to Haaland converting from 12 yards, marking his 31st goal of the season.
Haaland added to his tally shortly before halftime, heading in a cross from Semenyo after Cherki’s well-timed pass.
City continued their dominance after the break, with Semenyo scoring another as he cleverly lifted the ball over Mamardashvili.
Feeling confident, Semenyo nearly attempted a lob from the center circle, just missing the target.
The fourth goal came before the hour mark, with Haaland sealing his hat trick with a powerful strike off the crossbar from an O’Reilly cutback.
The City supporters reveled in the victory, delighting in a Poznan celebration, while Cherki showcased some tricks in his own half.
The atmosphere dipped briefly when Nunes fouled Ekitike but quickly rose again as Trafford saved Salah’s penalty attempt.
As the match wound down, a peculiar scene unfolded as Cherki, after being substituted, was seen wearing Ekitike’s shirt on the bench.