Manchester City staged a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth and book their place in the FA Cup semi-finals for a record seventh consecutive season.
However, the win came at a cost as star striker Erling Haaland limped off with an ankle injury.
Haaland endured a frustrating first half, missing several chances, including a penalty saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Bournemouth capitalized on City’s struggles, taking the lead through Evanilson after a defensive mistake from Matheus Nunes.
The Norwegian forward redeemed himself early in the second half, converting Nico O’Reilly’s pinpoint cross to equalize.
But his night ended early when he was forced off with an injury, leaving Pep Guardiola with concerns ahead of the season’s crucial run-in.
Haaland’s replacement, Omar Marmoush, made an immediate impact, scoring the winner just two minutes after coming on.
O’Reilly, instrumental throughout, provided his second assist of the match to seal City’s place in the semi-finals against Nottingham Forest.
Guardiola praised his team’s transformation since their defeat at Bournemouth in November, which marked the start of a poor Premier League run.
“Back then, we played with flip-flops on,” he admitted. “This time, we showed fight, and that made the difference.”
The City boss also singled out O’Reilly for his performance, confirming the young midfielder will play in the semi-finals.
“His impact was outstanding,” Guardiola said. “He is proving himself at a high level.”
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola acknowledged his side’s drop in intensity after halftime.
“We played well in the first half, but in the second, City dominated,” he said. “We couldn’t maintain the same energy, and that cost us.”
Despite the defeat, the Cherries remain focused on their Premier League campaign, while City, though victorious, will be sweating over Haaland’s fitness as they continue their fight for Champions League qualification.
