Haaland fires hat-trick as Man City beats defending champion Liverpool 4:0 to reach FA Cup semi-finals

Erling Haaland produced a scintillating performance, scoring a hat-trick as Manchester City dismantled Liverpool FC 4-0 to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals.

The quarter-final clash at the Etihad Stadium initially promised a closely contested encounter, with Liverpool creating early chances through Mohamed Salah and Hugo Ekitiké. However, the game swung decisively in City’s favour after Haaland converted a first-half penalty.

The Norwegian doubled the lead in stoppage time before the interval with a well-taken header, putting the hosts firmly in control heading into the break.

City’s dominance continued after the restart, with Antoine Semenyo adding a third before Haaland completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, sealing a comprehensive victory.

Liverpool’s afternoon worsened when Salah missed a penalty, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback as City’s fluid attacking play exposed defensive frailties in the visitors’ setup.

The emphatic result sends City into the semi-finals for a record-extending eighth consecutive season, underlining their continued domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola.

For Liverpool, the heavy defeat intensifies pressure on manager Arne Slot, with the result highlighting inconsistency in both defence and attack during a challenging campaign.

City’s victory not only reinforces their status as favourites for the FA Cup but also keeps alive their ambitions of securing further silverware this season.