Manchester City produced a dramatic late comeback to beat Southampton 2-1 in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley, securing a historic fourth consecutive final appearance. The Championship side took the lead through Finn Azaz in the 79th minute, but City responded with two goals in eight minutes to snatch victory.
Azaz curled a superb right-footed shot past James Trafford from 25 yards to put Southampton ahead, sparking celebrations among their fans. However, substitute Jérémy Doku equalised in the 83rd minute, his shot deflecting off James Bree to beat goalkeeper Daniel Peretz. Then, with three minutes remaining, Nico González unleashed a stunning 30-yard strike that flew into the net to complete the turnaround.
Southampton, unbeaten in 20 matches beforehand, had earlier dominated possession and frustrated City, who made nine changes from their midweek win over Burnley. The Saints also had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, while Kuryu Matsuki nearly restored their lead immediately after City's equaliser, only for Trafford to tip his effort over the bar.
City manager Pep Guardiola embraced his counterpart Tonda Eckert after the final whistle, but the German was left devastated after coming so close to a famous victory. Eckert now turns his attention to Tuesday's crucial Championship match against Ipswich, where a win would move his side to within a point of the second-placed Tractor Boys.
City will face either Chelsea or Leeds in the final at Wembley next month, as they aim to lift the trophy for the second time in three seasons.
