Manchester City are through to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, but the journey was far from straightforward. While the scoreline may suggest a routine evening for Pep Guardiola’s side, the reality at the Etihad told a more nuanced story.

Brentford arrived with courage and a clear game plan, creating several dangerous moments that tested City’s defensive structure. It was a performance that did not go unnoticed by Pep Guardiola, who openly acknowledged after the final whistle that his team had been pushed harder than expected.

2025-26, EFL Cup

Manchester City - Brentford 2:0 (1:0)
Goals: Cherki, 32 (1:0); Sávio Moreira, 67 (2:0)

Manchester City: Trafford; Ake; Khusanov; Lewis R.; Reijnders; Nico González (Matheus Nunes, 66); Cherki (Bernardo Silva, 66); Sávio Moreira; O'Reilly (Gvardiol, 65); Bobb (Foden, 19); Mukasa
Substitution: Foden (from 19); Gvardiol (from 65); Bernardo Silva (from 66); Matheus Nunes (from 66)
Bench: Donnarumma G.; Dias R.; Håland E.
Yellow Cards: Khusanov 16; Matheus Nunes 86

Brentford: Valdimarsson H.R,; Henry R. (Lewis-Potter, 76); van den Berg S.; Ajer; Collins N.; Kayode M. (Hickey, 75); Jensen Ma. (Donovan, 81); Yarmoliuk (Konak, 88); Damsgaard M.; Janelt; Schade (Gustavo Nunes, 88)
Substitution: Hickey (from 75); Lewis-Potter (from 76); Donovan (from 81); Konak (from 88); Gustavo Nunes (from 88)
Bench: Kelleher; Pinnock; Arthur; Peart-Harris