Erling Haaland delivered a sensational hat-trick as Manchester City extended their remarkable FA Cup run under Pep Guardiola, securing a record eighth consecutive semi-final appearance with a commanding victory over a lacklustre Liverpool side.
Guardiola, serving the second match of his touchline ban, watched from the stands as his team dismantled Liverpool in a result that piles further pressure on manager Arne Slot.
Fresh from their Carabao Cup final triumph over Premier League leaders Arsenal at Wembley, City produced another dominant display at the Etihad Stadium, keeping alive their pursuit of a domestic cup double.
Despite a relatively quiet opening, City broke the deadlock in the 38th minute when Haaland calmly converted from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk brought down Nico O’Reilly.
The Norwegian forward, who had endured a brief goal drought, doubled City’s lead just before half-time, guiding a precise header into the far corner from Antoine Semenyo’s inviting cross.
Liverpool showed flashes of attacking quality in the first half, with Florian Wirtz influential, but their inability to convert chances proved costly.
Mohamed Salah, featuring for the first time since announcing his impending departure from Anfield this summer, missed a key opportunity when his effort was blocked after hesitating in front of goal. He later saw a penalty saved by James Trafford, while Hugo Ekitike fired over from close range.
City, by contrast, were ruthless in front of goal. Semenyo added a third early in the second half with a composed finish, before Haaland completed his hat-trick to seal an emphatic win and book City’s place in the semi-finals.
