Cherki's brilliant goal opens the door for Man City's League Cup semi-final

Rayan Cherki's thunderbolt helped Manchester City overcome Brentford and book their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, ending a two-year absence from the last-four stage since their fourth consecutive triumph in 2021.

City now await their opponents for the two-legged semi, with the draw set for later Wednesday.

Brentford started brightly, testing the Cityzens early, but were repeatedly denied by stand-in goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson, who kept out a rising effort from Cherki. The warning signs were there, and just after the half-hour mark, the French forward struck. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, Cherki cut onto his right foot and unleashed an unstoppable strike into the top corner, leaving Valdimarsson with no chance.

Earlier, Brentford had cause for frustration when Abdukodir Khusanov was only shown a yellow card for tripping Kevin Schade near the box. Brentford players argued that Schade had a clear chance on goal, but with no VAR in operation, referee Sam Barrott's on-field decision stood.

The second half saw Brentford attempt a response, with Nico O'Reilly's long-range effort comfortably saved by the Bees' keeper. At the other end, Kristoffer Ajer's arrowing drive was brilliantly pushed away at full stretch by City's James Trafford, keeping the visitors in the game.

City eventually sealed their progression in the 67th minute. Savinho's deflected strike looped over Valdimarsson and into the net, ensuring the Premier League giants are one step closer to another Wembley trip.

EFL CUP - QUARTER-FINALS

Tuesday

Cardiff - Chelsea 1-3 (0-0)

/Turnbull 75 - Garnacho 57, 90+3 Neto 82/

Wednesday

Manchester City - Brentford 2-0 (1-0)

/Cherki 32, Savinho 67/

Newcastle - Fulham 2-1 (1-1)

/Wissa 10, Miley 90+2 - Lukic 16/

Tuesday (23.12)

23.00: (1.53) Arsenal (4.10) Crystal Palace (6.50)

***odds are subject to change***