By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Kenya, December 18 2025 - Manchester City secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a composed and convincing victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium, continuing their impressive run of form across all competitions.
Pep Guardiola’s side entered the quarter-final as clear favourites and justified that status with a controlled performance that rarely allowed Brentford to settle. City dominated possession from the outset, moving the ball with purpose and pinning the visitors deep in their own half for long spells.
The breakthrough came in the first half after sustained pressure, when Ryan Cherki sent a volley inside the net, leaving the goalkeeper helpless. Brentford attempted to respond through quick transitions and set pieces, but City’s defensive organisation ensured goalkeeper Trafford was largely untroubled.
After the interval, City turned the screw further, increasing the tempo and stretching Brentford’s back line. Savinho got on the end of a pass from Reijnders slotting home to make it 2-0 in the 67th minute. The second goal effectively ended the contest, as Guardiola’s men showcased their depth and attacking quality to put the tie beyond doubt.
Brentford, to their credit, continued to battle and looked for a way back into the game, but they struggled to create clear-cut chances against City’s disciplined structure.
More from Kenya
The victory marked City’s fifth consecutive win in all competitions, underlining their momentum as the busy end of the festive season continues. It also keeps alive their hopes of adding another Carabao Cup to their trophy cabinet, having last lifted the competition in the 2020/21 season.
The defeat ends Brentford's otherwise encouraging cup run that had seen them eliminate Grimsby opposition earlier in the tournament. While disappointed to fall short at the quarter-final stage, Keith Andrews’ side can take positives from their overall Carabao Cup campaign as they now turn their focus back to league matters.
Manchester City will now await the semi-final draw with confidence, knowing their home form and squad depth make them strong contenders for the title. As Guardiola continues to rotate effectively while maintaining performance levels, City’s pursuit of silverware on multiple fronts remains firmly on track.
