Silva sends Man City to FA Cup final with late winner over Chelsea

Manchester City kept their domestic double hopes alive by reaching the FA Cup final courtesy of a late Bernardo Silva strike to edge out Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley. Just days after their agonising UEFA Champions League semi-final exit on penalties to Real Madrid, City demonstrated their resilience to clinch victory in a tightly-contested encounter.

The opening period was an evenly-matched affair with both sides creating presentable opportunities. Phil Foden and Julian Alvarez went close for the Citizens, while Nicolas Jackson and Noni Madueke threatened for Chelsea without finding a breakthrough before the interval.

After the restart, the chances continued to arrive at both ends with Jackson denied twice in quick succession before Foden tested Dorde Petrovic in the Blues’ goal. As the minutes ticked away, City’s greater big-game experience seemed to be telling as they ramped up the pressure.

The decisive moment arrived late on as Kevin De Bruyne’s pass was inadvertently diverted into Silva’s path by Petrovic, and the Portuguese made no mistake from close range to finally break Chelsea’s resistance. The 1-0 scoreline was harsh on the valiant Blues who must now focus on their climb up the EPL standings.

For Pep Guardiola’s men, attention turns to facing either Manchester United or Coventry City in next month’s FA Cup final as they remain on course for a domestic double.