FA Cup: Liverpool beats Manchester City – Mané kicks the ball off his foot and into the goal

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Sadio Mané scored twice

Photo: Kirsty Wigglesworth / dpa

Liverpool FC is the first finalist of this year's FA Cup season - and in the semi-finals confidently threw what is probably their biggest competitor out of the competition.

In Wembley, coach Jürgen Klopp's team beat Manchester City 3-2 (3-0), although Pep Guardiola also rested numerous regular players.

Ibrahima Konaté headed the opening goal after a corner kick (9th minute), Sadio Mané scored twice (17th/45th) and also benefited from a big mistake by City goalkeeper Zack Steffen.

Jack Grealish was able to shorten the lead (47'), Bernardo Silva only brought City close to a goal again in added time (90'+1').

The fact that the keeper of the Citizens was called Steffen and not Ederson as usual was due to Guardiola's rotation.

After the Champions League second leg on Wednesday, both coaches changed their starting XI to seven positions.

While Liverpool were already resting their stars in the premier class against Benfica and were now able to let them return to the starting lineup, City had to wear themselves out with the best team against Atlético until the last minute of the game – this is how players like Steffen or Grealish, who played the unfamiliar centre-forward, managed to do it - Position taken over, new to the team.

No comparison to the duel in the league

City's lack of familiarity was noticeable: on Sunday, the Skyblues had dominated the same opponents for a half in the 2-2 league game with high pressing and quick combinations, and Liverpool now set the tone in the new edition of the top game.

Ibrahima Konaté took advantage of the first good chance to take the lead and headed in an Andrew Robertson corner.

It was the defender's third competitive goal in just twelve days.

But those who are actually responsible for scoring goals at Liverpool FC also showed their skills - and City's B-Elf showed their limits: Mané pushed the ball off Steffen in his own five-meter space and into the goal (17th). , before the break the LFC striker increased with a demanding direct acceptance into the near corner (45.)

After the change of sides, it briefly looked as if the game could get exciting again: City's Gabriel Jesus took his Brazilian compatriot and Liverpool six Fabinho out of the game with a dribble and hung up for Grealish, who after an unlucky first half for City to 1: 3 scored (47th).

Jesus (70') and Mohamed Salah (73') then missed further good opportunities, and Bernardo Silva's goal came too late (90' + 1').

In the final on May 14, Liverpool will meet either Chelsea or Crystal Palace, who will play the second finalist on Sunday (5:30 p.m., stream: DAZN).

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