Manchester City joins Crystal Palace in FA Cup final

Manchester City has secured their place in the FA Cup final after a 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest at Wembley Stadium. Goals from Rico Lewis and Josko Gvardiol ensured City's passage, despite Nottingham Forest creating several major opportunities.

Lightning Start for City

City wasted no time asserting themselves. Within two minutes, Rico Lewis opened the scoring with a powerful low strike into the far corner from the edge of the penalty area, giving Manchester City the perfect start at Wembley. Following the early goal, City controlled possession, circulating the ball patiently on Forest's half. However, clear-cut chances were rare, with Nico O'Reilly’s mazy dribble and speculative shot the closest City came to extending their lead before halftime.

Forest Fights Back After the Break

Nottingham Forest came out strong in the second half and immediately created a golden opportunity to level the match. Substitute Anthony Elanga latched onto a cross but, to everyone's disbelief, sent his effort wide from close range. City responded quickly, forcing two strong saves from Forest goalkeeper Mathis Sels. From the resulting corner, Josko Gvardiol rose highest to head in City's second goal, giving Pep Guardiola's men a commanding 2-0 advantage.

Forest Hits Woodwork Twice

Despite the setback, Forest kept pushing and were agonizingly close to pulling a goal back. Morgan Gibbs-White unleashed a stunning volley from a lofted ball by Elanga, only to see his shot crash against the crossbar. Ten minutes from time, Taiwo Awoniyi found himself in the right place during a scramble in the box, but his improvised effort struck the post. From the ensuing cross, Gibbs-White’s header went straight at City keeper Stefan Ortega, epitomizing Forest’s frustrating evening in front of goal. With the victory, Manchester City moves on to face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 17th. After Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, the final promises to be an enthralling encounter between two in-form sides vying for the prestigious trophy.