Last Updated on 04/23/2023 by てんしょく飯
On 22 April local time, the FA Cup semi-final took place at Wembley Stadium between Manchester C and Sheffield U.
Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez scored the first goal of the game.
Manchester C reached the last four after beating Bayern 4-1 in a two-legged Champions League (CL) quarter-final on 19 April. They also maintained an impressive record of 15 official games without defeat, and went into the game with the possibility of a ‘triple crown’ – the league, the CL and this FA Cup.
Sheffield U are playing in England’s second tier this season and are currently second in the table. This was a big game with a record of 6 wins and 1 defeat in their last 7 official games.
Sheffield U had a decisive chance in the second minute of the game, when Senegalese international Yriman Endiaiye collected the ball in front of goal from a corner and shot from close range, only to see his effort hit German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega in the face.
As expected, Manchester C continued to dominate possession. Sheffield U were tenaciously holding out, but in the 39th minute they conceded a penalty when English international Daniel Jevison brought down Portuguese midfielder Bernardo Silva in their own penalty area. Algerian midfielder Riyad Mahrez calmly slotted home the penalty after beating the goalkeeper. The first half ended with Manchester C leading 1-0.
Manchester C continued to push forward in the second half, and in the 55th minute Spanish defender Sergio Gomez’s left-wing cross hit a defender and changed course, allowing Norwegian international Erling Haaland to dive over. This was just wide, but the visitors were steadily closing in on goal. Then, in the 61st minute, Mahrez won the ball in the middle of the field, carried it himself to the goal and shot straight at goal. The lead was extended to two goals.
Just five minutes later, England midfielder Jack Grealish received the ball on the left flank and sent a cross into the middle, where Mahrez came running in to meet it directly and score the third goal. It was an impressive hat-trick and sealed the victory for the team.
With a sufficient goal difference, Manchester C replaced Haaland in the 68th minute. The visitors were able to afford to rest their main man for the next game against Arsenal, which is a direct match-up for the Premier League title. The replacement, England midfielder Phil Foden, was making his long-awaited return from appendicitis.
Sheffield U were completely outplayed in the second half, conceding 80 per cent of the ball possession to their opponents, and the game ended with little to show for it.
After a convincing victory, Manchester C now prepare for a crucial Premier League clash against leaders Arsenal on 26 April. Sheffield U also host West Brom at home on the same day in their bid for promotion to the Premier League.
[Score.
Manchester C 3-0 Sheffield U.
Scorers.
1-0 43 min Riyad Mahrez (Manchester C)
2-0 61 mins Riyad Mahrez (Manchester C)
3-0 66 mins Riyad Mahrez (Manchester C)
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