Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup final after a convincing 3–1 victory over Newcastle United in the second leg of their semi-final at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night, completing a dominant 5–1 aggregate win.
City entered the match with a 2–0 advantage from the first leg at St James’ Park and wasted little time extending their lead. Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the seventh minute after a quick interchange saw him break into the penalty area, with the ball deflecting off him and past Newcastle goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale following a challenge from Dan Burn.
Newcastle had a brief opportunity to respond when Joe Willock broke through on goal, but City keeper James Trafford produced a sharp save to deny the visitors an early lifeline.
The home side continued to press and were rewarded again in the 29th minute. Marmoush struck for the second time, heading home at the back post from a deflected cross to give City firm control of the tie.
Just three minutes later, Tijjani Reijnders added a third. After Antoine Semenyo drove into the box and drew defenders, Reijnders took over and calmly slotted a low shot past Ramsdale from close range to make it 3–0 on the night.
Newcastle showed more urgency after the break and managed to pull a goal back in the 62nd minute through Anthony Elanga. The winger finished well to reduce the deficit, but the visitors were unable to mount a sustained comeback. A second goal was later ruled out for offside, and Elanga missed a clear chance shortly afterward.
City comfortably saw out the remainder of the match, with Trafford continuing to impress in goal, making several key saves to preserve their advantage.
The win sends Pep Guardiola’s side to Wembley Stadium, where they will face Arsenal in the Carabao Cup final next month. Arsenal secured their place in the final with a 1–0 win over Chelsea in their semi-final second leg, completing a 4–2 aggregate victory.
Speaking after the match, Guardiola praised his team’s performance, particularly in the first half, describing the aggregate scoreline as “unbelievable” against the reigning Carabao Cup champions.
Marmoush, who scored twice on the night, said the team showed strong mentality and focus from the opening minute and expressed confidence ahead of the final.
The Carabao Cup final will be played on Sunday, 22 March, at Wembley Stadium.
