Article by Cosmin Nistor – Published Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:14 p.m. / Updated Saturday, April 25, 2026, 9:16 p.m.
Premier League leaders Manchester City secured a dramatic qualification for the FA Cup final after beating Championship side Southampton 2-1 in the semi-final on neutral ground. The guests led, but Pep Guardiola's team managed to turn the tide of the game.
The “Citizens” will fight for the trophy with the winner between Chelsea and Leeds, in a final that will also bring a place in the European cups, a much more important aspect for Chelsea, given that Manchester City is already sure of the presence in the Champions League for the next season.
Manchester City beat Southampton and entered the FA Cup final
The team prepared by Pep Guardiola was the first to concede a goal, in the 79th minute, thanks to the success of Finn Azaz. The Saints enjoyed just four minutes though as Jeremy Doku restored parity.
In the 87th minute, the same Doku became the decisive passer, giving Nico Gonzalez the 2-1 goal, a success that decided Manchester City's qualification to the final.
The path to the semi-finals
Manchester City started their FA Cup journey with an emphatic 10-1 win over Exeter City, followed by a 2-0 win over Salford City. In the round of 16, the “citizens” beat Newcastle United 3-1, and in the quarter-finals they put on a show against Liverpool, score 4-0.
Southampton were one of the big surprises of the competition. He started with 3-2 at Doncaster Rovers, then went 2-1 at Leicester City. In the round of 16, they eliminated Fulham (1-0), and in the quarter-finals they shocked the competition, defeating the Premier League leader, Arsenal, 2-1, with goals scored by Ross Stewart and Shea Charles.
Southampton, close to a final after 23 years
Southampton had not played in an FA Cup final for 23 years. Last appearance in the final act was in 2003 when they lost 0-1 to Arsenal. The only FA Cup trophy in the club's history remains that of 1976, surprisingly won over Manchester United.
On the other hand, Manchester City have been a constant presence in the final stages of the competition in recent years. He lost the 2025 final against Crystal Palace (0-1), the 2024 final against Manchester United (1-2), but won in 2023 against the same rivals (2-1). Another big success came in 2019 when they beat Watford 6-0.
In total, Manchester City have 7 FA Cup trophies in their history, won in 1904, 1934, 1956, 1969, 2011, 2019 and 2023.
