Manchester City pulled off a remarkable comeback win against Southampton to reach the FA Cup final, with Nico González scoring a stunning 87th-minute winner at Wembley. The victory secures City's place in a historic fourth consecutive FA Cup final.
Dramatic Finish at Wembley
The semi-final featured three goals in eight minutes, culminating in González's long-range strike that left Southampton heartbroken. The Spaniard's 30-yard rocket came after Bernardo Silva, just introduced by Pep Guardiola, tapped to Jérémy Doku, who fed González. From outside the area to the left, the midfielder unleashed a rising shot that flew into the net.
Southampton had taken the lead in the 79th minute through Finn Azaz, who curled a beautiful right-footed effort from 25 yards past James Trafford. The Championship side, unbeaten in 20 matches, looked set for a famous victory.
However, City responded quickly. Doku, also a substitute, danced from the left and hit an equaliser that beat goalkeeper Daniel Peretz due to a deflection off James Bree. The comeback was complete when González struck late.
Guardiola's Changes Pay Off
Guardiola made wholesale changes from the midweek win at Burnley, with nine new players in the starting XI. Erling Haaland, Nico O'Reilly, Doku, and Bernardo Silva all began on the bench but were on the pitch by the end. The manager named John Stones captain in a 4-3-2-1 formation that initially featured both Rayan Cherki and Phil Foden behind Omar Marmoush.
Southampton's German head coach, Tonda Eckert, operated a five-man defence that frustrated City for long periods. The Saints enjoyed more possession and territory than expected, with Léo Scienza's pace causing problems. However, they could not hold on.
What's Next
City will face either Chelsea or Leeds in the final back at Wembley next month. For Southampton, attention turns to Tuesday's crucial Championship match against second-placed Ipswich. A win would lift them to 79 points, just one behind the Tractor Boys.
Eckert expressed deep disappointment but pride in his team's performance. "We came so close to a famous victory," he said. "But we must focus on the league now."
