Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 to reach the FA Cup semi-finals. The Norwegian striker opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Virgil van Dijk fouled Nico O'Reilly. He added a second in first-half stoppage time, flicking in Antoine Semenyo's cross, and completed his treble in the 57th minute, hooking in off the bar after a slick build-up involving Jérémy Doku and O'Reilly.
Liverpool had early chances through Hugo Ekitiké and Mohamed Salah, but failed to convert. After the break, Salah missed two more opportunities and then saw a penalty saved by James Trafford when the score was already 4-0. The defeat was Liverpool's heaviest under manager Arne Slot, who now faces a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Pep Guardiola, serving a touchline ban, watched from the stands as City extended their record to an eighth consecutive FA Cup semi-final. Rayan Cherki and Semenyo were instrumental, with Semenyo scoring a sublime lob in the 50th minute to make it 3-0. Liverpool's defensive lapses were punished ruthlessly, with Joe Gomez's poor throw-in leading to the third goal.
The result leaves Liverpool's season in disarray, while City continue their impressive run after winning the Carabao Cup. Haaland's hat-trick was his first since August 2024, and he now has 35 goals in all competitions this season.
