Manchester City and Newcastle United advanced to the EFL Cup semi-finals after winning their respective matches and secured their places among the competition's top four teams.
At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City defeated Brentford 2-0, confirming a strong end to the year with their sixth consecutive victory across all competitions. Pep Guardiola's team, with a rotated starting lineup, controlled the match and secured the series without any trouble. The first goal was scored by Rayan Cherki, who capitalized on a second attacking opportunity with a powerful right-footed strike into the corner to open the scoring. In the second half, Savinho extended the lead with a long-range shot that deflected off a defender and flew over Valdimarsson. The 19-year-old midfielder, who had to play as a right-back due to injuries in the squad, was one of the key figures of the match and sealed the tie with a header in stoppage time following a corner kick taken by Sandro Tonali.
The victory brought relief to Eddie Howe's team, the current champions of the competition, who are now two matches away from returning to Wembley for the third time in four years.
Additionally, the day was special for Yoane Wissa, who scored his first goal for Newcastle since his arrival from Brentford, following a prolonged recovery from a knee injury.
