Manchester City secured the FA Cup with a 1-0 victory over Chelsea at Wembley, courtesy of a stunning second-half strike from Antoine Semenyo. The win added another trophy to Pep Guardiola's collection, amid speculation that this could be his final appearance as City manager at the national stadium.
The match was a tense affair, with few clear chances until the 72nd minute. Semenyo received a low pass from Erling Haaland, and despite being closely marked by Levi Colwill and the ball slightly behind him, he produced a brilliant flick with his trailing leg that found the far corner. The goal was a moment of individual brilliance that decided the contest.
City dominated possession in the first half but struggled to create meaningful opportunities. Omar Marmoush, starting in place of Rayan Cherki, was ineffective and replaced at half-time. Chelsea grew into the game after the break, with Rodri struggling on his return from injury and eventually substituted for Mateo Kovacic.
For Chelsea, it was a seventh consecutive domestic cup final defeat, adding to the club's recent woes. Interim manager Calum McFarlane, in his sixth senior game in charge, set up defensively but could not prevent Semenyo's moment of magic. The club hopes to appoint Xabi Alonso as their next manager to oversee a reset.
Guardiola's future remains uncertain, with reports suggesting he may leave City at the end of the season. If this was his final FA Cup final, he exits as a winner, having now secured 17 major trophies in 10 years at the club.
