Manchester City stormed into the FA Cup final for the third consecutive season with a commanding 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, April 27, 2025. The win was marked by an explosive start from City, with Rico Lewis finding the back of the net just two minutes into the match, setting the tone for a dominant performance.
Lewis's early goal came after he received the ball at the edge of the box, where he expertly placed a shot into the bottom corner, leaving Forest's goalkeeper Matz Sels with no chance. This quick strike not only silenced the Nottingham crowd but also allowed City to dictate the pace of the game right from the outset, as they enjoyed an astonishing 90% possession within the first ten minutes.
Despite City’s early dominance, Nottingham Forest began to find their footing as the first half progressed. However, they struggled to create significant chances, with their first real opportunity coming at the 15-minute mark when Omar Marmoush fired a shot from outside the box that sailed over the goal. Forest's best chance of the half came from Nico O'Reilly, whose spectacular effort narrowly missed the target, hitting the side netting instead.
As the first half came to a close, both teams exchanged possession in the midfield, but neither could convert their opportunities into clear-cut chances. City went into the break with a well-deserved lead, but the second half would prove to be a different story.
Right after the break, Nottingham Forest almost equalized when Anthony Elanga, who was brought on as a substitute, found himself one-on-one with City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega but failed to convert, shooting wide. This miss proved costly as City responded swiftly. Just six minutes into the half, Josko Gvardiol doubled City's lead with a powerful header from a corner taken by Omar Marmoush, leaving Forest reeling.
City continued to press, and their attacking prowess was evident as they nearly scored a third goal on multiple occasions. At the 62-minute mark, Gvardiol had a chance to add to his tally but was denied by a fantastic save from Sels. Shortly after, Morgan Gibbs-White of Forest made a valiant attempt to get his team back into the game, striking the crossbar with a thunderous volley that echoed through the stadium.
As the match progressed, Nottingham Forest's frustration grew. They hit the woodwork three times throughout the game, including a close-range effort from Taiwo Awoniyi that bounced off the post. Despite the pressure, City remained resolute in defense, with Ruben Dias and Gvardiol effectively neutralizing Forest's attacks.
In the final stages of the match, City made tactical substitutions, bringing in Phil Foden and Doku to reinforce their midfield and maintain control of the game. Pep Guardiola's side expertly managed the remaining minutes, ensuring that their lead remained intact.
With this victory, Manchester City not only secured their place in the FA Cup final but also continued their pursuit of a historic eighth FA Cup title. They will face Crystal Palace on May 17, 2025, in what promises to be an exciting showdown at Wembley.
Next up for City is a Premier League clash against Wolverhampton at the Etihad Stadium on May 2, 2025, as they aim to solidify their position in the league standings. Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, will look to bounce back as they prepare to host Brentford on May 1, 2025.
As the dust settles on this semifinal encounter, both teams will reflect on their performances. City showed their big-game experience and tactical superiority, while Forest will need to regroup and learn from their mistakes as they continue their campaign in the Premier League.
This match served as a reminder of the high stakes involved in knockout football, and for City, it was another step towards adding to their silverware collection under Guardiola's management. As they prepare for the final, the excitement and anticipation are palpable among the City faithful, who will be hoping for yet another triumph at Wembley.
