Manchester City kept their trophy hopes for this season alive by coming from behind at Bournemouth to set up an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest.

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Manchester City reignited their quest for silverware this season with a hard-fought 2-1 comeback victory over Bournemouth in the FA Cup quarter-finals. This triumph propels them into a semi-final clash against Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium.

Match Recap

The encounter at the Vitality Stadium began with City on the back foot. Erling Haaland, usually clinical, saw his early penalty attempt thwarted by Bournemouth's goalkeeper, Kepa Arrizabalaga. Capitalizing on this momentum, Bournemouth took the lead through Evanilson, who netted from close range in the 22nd minute.

City's response came after the interval. Manager Pep Guardiola introduced 20-year-old Nico O'Reilly, a move that proved pivotal. O'Reilly's dynamic play down the left flank culminated in a precise cross to Haaland, who made no mistake this time, leveling the score in the 49th minute.

The match took another twist when Haaland was forced off with an ankle injury in the 61st minute, leaving the field on crutches and casting doubt over his availability for upcoming fixtures. His replacement, Omar Marmoush, wasted no time making an impact. Just moments after entering the fray, Marmoush netted the decisive goal, securing City's passage to the semi-finals.

Path to Wembley

This victory marks Manchester City's seventh consecutive FA Cup semi-final appearance, underscoring their consistent prowess in domestic cup competitions. They are set to face Nottingham Forest, who advanced after a penalty shootout win over Brighton. The semi-final fixtures are scheduled for the weekend of April 26-27 at Wembley Stadium.

Looking Ahead

With the Premier League title race slipping away and exits from other competitions, the FA Cup represents Manchester City's most tangible opportunity for silverware this season. However, concerns loom over Haaland's injury, with assessments pending to determine its severity. Guardiola's tactical acumen and the squad's depth will be crucial as they prepare for the challenges ahead, aiming to add another FA Cup triumph to their storied history.

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