Manchester City secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, with Nico González scoring a stunning 87th-minute winner to send Pep Guardiola's side to a fourth consecutive final.
Southampton had taken the lead through Finn Azaz in the 79th minute, curling a beautiful right-footed shot into the top corner from 25 yards. The Championship side, unbeaten in 20 matches, looked set for a famous upset.
However, City responded quickly. Substitute Jérémy Doku equalised in the 83rd minute with a deflected shot, before González unleashed a 30-yard rocket that flew into the net three minutes later, leaving Southampton goalkeeper Daniel Peretz with no chance.
Southampton pushed for an equaliser in seven minutes of added time, with Kuryu Matsuki forcing a save from James Trafford, but City held on to reach the final, where they will face either Chelsea or Leeds.
Southampton manager Tonda Eckert, six months into his first head-coach role, was left proud but disappointed. His team had matched City for long periods, operating a five-man defence that frustrated the Premier League champions. City ended the game with Erling Haaland, Nico O'Reilly, Doku and Bernardo Silva all on the pitch, having started on the bench.
“We came so close,” Eckert said. “The players gave everything. Now we focus on Tuesday’s Championship match against Ipswich, which is crucial for our promotion push.”
