Manchester City delivered a commanding performance to reach their seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final, defeating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025. The victory marked City’s 28th appearance at the new Wembley, while Forest, in only their second semi-final at the venue, struggled to match the intensity of Pep Guardiola’s side.
FA CUP FINAL BOUND 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nyk7Th08ba
— Manchester City US (@ManCityUS) April 27, 2025
City wasted no time asserting dominance, opening the scoring just two minutes into the match. Mateo Kovacic sliced through Forest’s defense with a driving run, setting up Rico Lewis, who calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. The early goal set the tone for City’s relentless approach, as they controlled possession and created numerous chances. Jack Grealish was a constant threat on the flanks, troubling Forest’s defense with his incisive runs and pinpoint deliveries.
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Nottingham Forest, managed by Nuno Espirito Santo, appeared overwhelmed in the first half, managing just 23% possession by the midway point. Their only glimmer of hope came when Chris Wood thought he had equalized from a Callum Hudson-Odoi cutback, but the offside flag quickly halted celebrations. Forest failed to register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes, heading into the break fortunate to be only one goal behind.
🏆 THE FA CUP FINAL IS SET!
— Pulse Sports Nigeria (@PulseSportsNG) April 27, 2025
Crystal Palace 🆚 Manchester City
Who is winning? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/0rMBWs7kUv
The second half mirrored the first, with City doubling their lead within six minutes of the restart. Omar Marmoush’s inswinging corner found Josko Gvardiol, who rose above the Forest defense to head home emphatically. Now 2-0 up, the seven-time FA Cup champions looked in complete control.
Key Points: Manchester City Secure 14th FA Cup Final Spot with 2-0 Victory Over Nottingham Forest
- Result: Manchester City beat Nottingham Forest 2-0 in the FA Cup semi-final on April 27, 2025, at Wembley.
- Goals: Rico Lewis scored in the 2nd minute, assisted by Mateo Kovacic; Josko Gvardiol headed in the second in the 51st minute from Omar Marmoush’s corner.
- City’s Dominance: Forest had just 23% possession in the first half, with no shots on target.
- Forest’s Late Surge: Forest hit the woodwork three times via Morgan Gibbs-White and Taiwo Awoniyi but failed to score.
- Final: City reached their 14th FA Cup final, set to face Crystal Palace.