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E-mail Xinhua, March 31, 2025
Manchester City and Aston Villa advanced to the semifinals of the FA Cup on Sunday.
City came from behind away to Bournemouth to win 2-1 after Evanilson put the Cherries ahead after 21 minutes.
Prior to the Brazilian's opener, Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga had saved a penalty from Erling Haaland, although the Norwegian made amends four minutes into the second half after City caught Bournemouth flat-footed on the break, with substitute Nico O'Reilly giving the assist.
O'Reilly provided his second assist of the game to set up Omar Marmoush in the 63rd minute, with the Egyptian scoring with his first touch after replacing Haaland, who had gone off with an ankle injury
City dominated the second half and was unlucky when Ilkay Gundogan saw his shot bounce back off the post in the closing minutes.
Aston Villa had to withstand some brave attacking play from Championship side Preston North End, before two goals from Marcus Rashford booked a ticket to Wembley.
The England forward put Villa ahead in the 58th minute when he turned in a cross from Lucas Digne, and kept his calm to double the lead from the penalty spot five minutes later after Morgan Rogers was brought down.
Digne was again the provider with the assist for Jacob Ramsey to end any lingering doubt about the result, with Villa's third goal in the 71st minute.
Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest secured their semifinal spots on Saturday.
The draw for the semifinals was made directly after Manchester City's win, with Pep Guardiola's side to face Forest, while Villa will play Palace.
