Manchester City advanced to their third successive FA Cup final after defeating Nottingham Forest 2-0 at Wembley Stadium on April 27, 2025. The Cityzens broke the deadlock just two minutes into the match with a stunning goal from Rico Lewis, who became the youngest City scorer at Wembley since 1981. Lewis rifled home a well-worked team move that set the tone for the match.
Despite City’s early dominance, Forest struggled to find their rhythm throughout the first half. The City defenders effectively stifled any attempts from the Forest attackers, leading to a lack of serious threats on goal. City controlled possession, with Mateo Kovacic dictating the pace in midfield and Jack Grealish and Lewis creating dangerous opportunities at the top of the box.
As the first half progressed, it became evident that Forest was having a tough time. They managed to register only a single touch inside the City box before the break, and their inability to create chances left them trailing at halftime.
However, Forest emerged from the break with renewed energy, making a tactical adjustment by introducing Anthony Elanga. The substitute almost leveled the score shortly after the restart but failed to convert a close-range chance. City responded by doubling their lead six minutes into the second half when Josko Gvardiol powered home a header from an Omar Marmoush corner.
Forest continued to fight back, with Morgan Gibbs-White coming close to scoring with a stunning volley that rattled the crossbar. The Nottingham side managed to hit the woodwork three times during the match, including a flick from Taiwo Awoniyi that also struck the upright. Despite their efforts, City’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was alert, making crucial saves to keep Forest at bay.
As the match wore on, City showcased their vintage form, reminiscent of their peak years under Pep Guardiola. They controlled the game, with Kovacic putting in a standout performance, and the Cityzens maintained their composure to see out the match, securing their place in the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace on May 17, 2025.
In the stands, the atmosphere was electric despite the noticeable absence of many City fans, with almost 10,000 empty seats in their end of Wembley. In contrast, the Forest supporters were vocal and passionate, creating an impressive backdrop for the match. Guardiola’s decision to bench key players like Kevin de Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan raised eyebrows, but it ultimately proved effective as City demonstrated their depth and resilience.
Overall, this victory marks City’s sixth win in their last seven matches, reaffirming their status as one of the top teams in English football. For Forest, the defeat means another missed opportunity to claim the FA Cup, a trophy that has eluded them for many years. Despite a promising Premier League campaign, they will have to regroup and focus on their league efforts as the season progresses.
As the dust settles on this FA Cup semi-final, the narrative of Manchester City’s resurgence continues, while Nottingham Forest must reflect on their performance and the challenges ahead. With the final now in sight, City fans will be hoping their team can carry this momentum into the final and secure another piece of silverware under Guardiola’s management.
