Rayan Cherki and Savinho both scored as Manchester City defeated Brentford 2-0 to advance to the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
Manchester City secured their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Brentford at the Etihad Stadium.
The breakthrough came in the 20th minute when Rayan Cherki unleashed a spectacular 22-yard strike into the top corner.
While Pep Guardiola rotated his squad, the hosts remained dominant despite losing Oscar Bobb to an early injury, further solidifying their pursuit of a ninth title in this competition.
The visitors struggled to find momentum after falling behind, though James Trafford was forced into a sharp save from a Mathias Jensen free-kick.
City eventually doubled their advantage in the 67th minute when Savinho’s looping effort from the left flank bypassed Hakon Valdimarsson.
This goal provided much-needed relief for the Brazilian winger, who has struggled for consistent playing time under Guardiola during the current campaign.
Reflecting on the squad’s performance and the impact of rotation, Pep Guardiola noted that “a father figure” was missing from his previous attempts at mass changes, but expressed satisfaction with this result.
The victory ensures City remain in contention for a domestic treble. Meanwhile, Brentford’s exit shifts their focus back to the Premier League, having failed to overcome City’s clinical finishing and defensive organization throughout the match.