Manchester City booked their place in a third successive FA Cup final with a 2-0 win over Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium.
Pep Guardiola’s side, aiming to end the season with silverware after losing the Premier League title to Liverpool, struck early through Rico Lewis, who scored within two minutes of kick-off. His goal disrupted Forest’s game plan, forcing them to chase the match from the outset.
Despite their struggles, Nottingham Forest created chances after the break. Anthony Elanga squandered a golden opportunity to equalise, and Forest’s misfortune continued as they struck the woodwork three times in the second half. Morgan Gibbs-White hit the bar with a volley and later the post after Josko Gvardiol’s error, while Taiwo Awoniyi also saw his flicked effort rebound off the post.
Gvardiol, however, made amends for his earlier mistake by doubling City’s lead with a header from a corner early in the second half, effectively sealing the win.
Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo introduced more attacking energy in the latter stages, but City’s experience, built over seven straight FA Cup semi-finals, ultimately shone through.
The victory sets up a final showdown against Crystal Palace, who await Guardiola’s men at Wembley. City will hope their familiarity with the grand stage can carry them to another domestic trophy.
The defeat ends Forest’s FA Cup journey, though they can take heart from a spirited second-half performance that, on another day, could have changed the course of the match.
