A single, searing strike from Rayan Cherki lit up a rain-swept night as Manchester City edged past Brentford to reach the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
The French forward’s unstoppable effort and a late, fortunate deflection from Savinho were enough to send Pep Guardiola’s side through, setting up a two-legged showdown with Newcastle.
A moment of brilliance decides a tight tie
Brentford began the game with energy and intent, probing City’s backline and forcing early saves. But after weathering the opening pressure, City found the breakthrough just after the half-hour mark.
Cherki collected the ball on the edge of the box, shifted onto his right foot and unleashed a thunderbolt that arrowed into the top corner — a goal as clinical as it was cinematic, and his fourth of the season.
Before that moment, Brentford had been left furious when Abdukodir Khusanov was shown only a yellow for a foul on Kevin Schade that the visitors felt denied them a clear goalscoring chance. With no VAR in operation, referee Sam Barrott’s on-field decision stood, and the controversy simmered as the match moved on.
Goalmouth drama and fine saves
The second half produced more end-to-end action.
Nico O’Reilly tried his luck from distance but saw his effort comfortably held by stand-in keeper Hakon Valdimarsson, while at the other end, Kristoffer Ajer’s fierce drive was superbly tipped away by James Trafford.
City finally put the tie beyond doubt on 67 minutes when Savinho’s shot took a deflection, looped over Valdimarsson and nestled into the net — a slice of fortune that completed the job.
Manchester City analysis: Flawless December rolls on
This victory was City’s fifth outing in a relentless December and extended their winning run to six matches across all competitions.
Guardiola’s side continues to look ominous: unbeaten this month and building momentum as they chase multiple targets. While the Carabao Cup may sit behind the Premier League and Champions League in priority, it offers a tangible chance to end a trophy drought after last season’s barren finish.
Cherki is settling into his City role with flashes of silk and power, and his thunderous strike underlined his growing influence. With Erling Haaland rested on the bench, teenager Divine Mukasa led the line and came close to a first senior goal, weaving through defenders before firing straight at Valdimarsson.
City’s only real worry is squad availability. Several players are already absent — including those at the Africa Cup of Nations and others sidelined by injury — and Oscar Bobb’s first-half hobble that forced him off will be monitored closely. Phil Foden came on and nearly added to his rich run of form, only to see a snapshot clawed away.
Brentford analysis: No VAR sting leaves Bees rueing chances
For Brentford and boss Keith Andrews, the lingering question is whether the Khusanov incident changed the course of the tie.
Without VAR, the referee’s yellow card decision stood, and the visitors were left to lament a moment they felt should have produced a red. Despite spirited efforts — including a well-struck free-kick from Mathias Jensen that Trafford pushed away — Brentford could not find a way past the stand-in goalkeeper and have now lost five of their last six meetings with City.
This exit marks a second successive quarter-final defeat for Brentford, who fell to eventual winners Newcastle at the same stage last season.
What’s next
Manchester City return to Premier League action at home to West Ham on Saturday with momentum and a semi-final tie against Newcastle looming.
Brentford travel to the bottom side Wolves at the same time, left to regroup and chase points in a season that still has plenty to play for.
