Erling Haaland hat-trick fires Man City past Liverpool to FA Cup semis

Fresh from lifting the Carabao Cup, City once again showed their strength in knockout football, although it was Liverpool who started the sharper of the two sides at the Etihad Stadium.

Mohamed Salah was first to threaten, racing onto a long ball forward, but a crucial intervention from Abdukodir Khusanov denied him a clear sight of goal. Moments later, Hugo Ekitike squandered another opening, firing over after a loose touch from Rodri.

Despite Liverpool’s bright start, City struck first through Haaland. A clumsy challenge from Virgil van Dijk brought down Nico O'Reilly inside the box, and Haaland made no mistake from the penalty spot.

The Norwegian quickly doubled his tally, rising to head home a precise delivery from Antoine Semenyo, giving City a firm grip on the tie before half-time.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot reacted immediately after the break, but his side fell further behind within minutes. Rayan Cherki released Semenyo, who calmly lifted the ball over Giorgi Mamardashvili to make it 3-0.

City were in complete control, and Haaland completed his hat-trick before the hour mark, finishing from close range after a sharp cut-back from O’Reilly. It marked his 28th career hat-trick and underlined his dominance in front of goal.

Liverpool had a chance to respond when they were awarded a penalty, but Salah was denied by James Trafford, summing up a frustrating afternoon for the visitors.

From there, the contest drifted to a comfortable conclusion for Pep Guardiola’s side, who now move within one step of a fourth straight FA Cup final. Liverpool, meanwhile, were left to regroup quickly ahead of their crucial UEFA Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.