Haaland fires hat-trick as Man. City crush Liverpool to reach FA Cup Semis

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

 Erling Haaland delivered a clinical hat-trick as Manchester City produced a dominant display to thrash Liverpool 4-0 in the FA Cup quarter-final at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.

The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Virgil van Dijk fouled a City player.

He doubled the lead just before half-time with a clinical header from a clever lofted pass by Antoine Semenyo, sending City into the break with a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, calmly slotting the ball under the crossbar after latching onto an accurate through pass, leaving Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili with no chance. His third goal effectively ended the contest as a competitive fixture.

Antoine Semenyo added a fourth for City in the 50th minute with an audacious chipped finish over the advancing Mamardashvili, capping a ruthless first-half and early second-half performance by Pep Guardiola’s side.

Liverpool, despite creating several promising opportunities, particularly through Mohamed Salah, who was denied multiple times by excellent saves from City goalkeeper James Trafford, failed to find the net.

Salah saw a penalty saved by Trafford in the 64th minute, summing up a frustrating afternoon for Arne Slot’s team.

The match saw a flurry of substitutions as both managers attempted to influence proceedings. City introduced players including Phil Foden, Tijjani Reijnders, and Omar Marmoush, while Liverpool brought on Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo, and Rio Ngumoha. Late yellow cards for players on both sides reflected the growing frustration in the Liverpool ranks.

City controlled large portions of the game with precise possession football, repeatedly carving open the Liverpool defence.

Liverpool’s attacks, though lively at times through Salah and Hugo Ekitike, lacked the clinical edge required against a resolute City backline.

The result sends City into the FA Cup semi-finals for what would be an eighth successive appearance, further strengthening their pursuit of silverware this season.

For Liverpool, the heavy defeat represents a significant setback in their cup campaign and raises questions about their ability to challenge City in big matches.

Haaland’s clinical finishing once again underscored why he remains one of world football’s most lethal strikers, while the victory highlighted City’s depth and tactical discipline even as they rotated their squad.

With the Premier League title race and other cup competitions still very much alive, this emphatic win will provide a major confidence boost for Guardiola’s men heading into the decisive weeks of the campaign.