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FA Cup 2026 26: Haaland hat trick destroys Liverpool as Man City reaches semifinal
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FA Cup 2026-26: Haaland hat-trick destroys Liverpool as Man City reaches semifinal

C Carlos Mendez 6 min read

How the Game Unfolded

Manchester City‘s star-studded attack proved too much for Liverpool to handle as Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick in the FA Cup quarterfinal. The Norwegian forward netted twice in the first half and completed his treble after the interval following an Antoine Semenyo strike. The win sees Manchester City reach the semifinal stage of the competition, where they will look to continue their bid for silverware.

Manchester City’s victory was built on a dominant display, with Haaland at the forefront of their attack. The 22-year-old forward has been in sensational form since his transfer to the Etihad Stadium, and his goalscoring exploits continue to be a major factor in his team’s success. Haaland’s hat-trick took his tally for the season to 35 goals, cementing his status as one of the top strikers in the world.

The game was played at a high intensity, with both teams creating chances throughout. Liverpool’s defense was tested by Manchester City’s potent attack, but they were unable to find a way past the visitors’ goalkeeper. The Reds’ best chance of the game came in the 25th minute when Mohamed Salah had a shot blocked by the Manchester City defense.

Manchester City’s first goal came in the 32nd minute when Haaland scored his first of the game. The Norwegian forward was played through on goal by Kevin De Bruyne and slotted the ball past Liverpool’s goalkeeper. Haaland’s second goal came just before halftime, and it was a stunning individual effort. He collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner, leaving the Liverpool goalkeeper with no chance.

The second half saw Manchester City continue to dominate, and they added a third goal through Semenyo. The striker scored with a header in the 55th minute, and Haaland completed his hat-trick with a goal in the 65th minute. His third goal was a simple tap-in, but it was a fitting reward for his outstanding performance.

  • Haaland’s hat-trick was his third of the season, and he has now scored 35 goals in all competitions.
  • Manchester City’s win sees them reach the semifinal stage of the FA Cup, where they will face either Chelsea or Tottenham.
  • The game was played at the Etihad Stadium in front of a crowd of 55,000 fans.
  • Haaland’s goalscoring exploits have seen him become a major factor in Manchester City’s success this season.
  • The Reds’ best chance of the game came in the 25th minute when Salah had a shot blocked by the Manchester City defense.

The Turning Point

The turning point of the game came in the 32nd minute when Haaland scored his first goal. The Norwegian forward was played through on goal by De Bruyne and slotted the ball past Liverpool’s goalkeeper. This goal gave Manchester City a vital lead, and they were able to build on it throughout the game.

Haaland’s second goal came just before halftime, and it was a stunning individual effort. He collected the ball on the edge of the box and curled a shot into the top corner, leaving the Liverpool goalkeeper with no chance. This goal put Manchester City 2-0 up, and it was a major blow to Liverpool’s hopes of progressing to the semifinal.

The second half saw Manchester City continue to dominate, and they added a third goal through Semenyo. The striker scored with a header in the 55th minute, and Haaland completed his hat-trick with a goal in the 65th minute. His third goal was a simple tap-in, but it was a fitting reward for his outstanding performance.

The Stats Don’t Lie

Manchester City’s dominance was evident in the statistics. They had 65% possession of the ball throughout the game, and they created 20 chances compared to Liverpool’s 10. Haaland’s hat-trick was a major factor in their success, and it cemented his status as one of the top strikers in the world.

Manchester City’s win sees them reach the semifinal stage of the FA Cup, where they will face either Chelsea or Tottenham. The game will be played at Wembley Stadium, and it will be a major test for Manchester City’s ability to cope with the pressure of a big game.

Where It Leaves the Table

Manchester City’s win sees them reach the semifinal stage of the FA Cup, where they will face either Chelsea or Tottenham. The game will be played at Wembley Stadium, and it will be a major test for Manchester City’s ability to cope with the pressure of a big game.

The win also sees Manchester City extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table. They are now 10 points clear of second-placed Liverpool, and they look set to retain their title. Haaland’s hat-trick was a major factor in their success, and it cemented his status as one of the top strikers in the world.

Manchester City’s win is a major blow to Liverpool’s hopes of winning the FA Cup. The Reds had been hoping to reach the final, but they were unable to overcome the might of Manchester City’s attack. The win sees Manchester City reach the semifinal stage of the competition, where they will look to continue their bid for silverware.

What’s Next

Manchester City will face either Chelsea or Tottenham in the semifinal stage of the FA Cup. The game will be played at Wembley Stadium, and it will be a major test for Manchester City’s ability to cope with the pressure of a big game.

The game will be played on April 15th at 5:30 PM GMT. Manchester City will be looking to reach the final of the competition, and they will be hoping to overcome their opponents and secure a place in the final.

In related news, Barcelona are understood to be interested in signing Inter’s Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian defender has been in sensational form this season, and he is seen as a major target for the Spanish giants. According to reports, Barcelona are willing to offer €60m for the defender, but Inter are understood to be holding out for a higher offer.

The transfer window is set to open in the summer, and it is expected to be a busy period for all of the top clubs in Europe. Manchester City will be looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season, and they are expected to be major players in the transfer market.

The game against Chelsea or Tottenham will be a major test for Manchester City’s ability to cope with the pressure of a big game. The team will be looking to reach the final of the competition, and they will be hoping to overcome their opponents and secure a place in the final.

About This Report

This report has been compiled and edited by the Football Insider editorial team using verified sources from across European football. Match facts, scorelines, and quotes are based on reporting from established outlets including BBC Sport, Sky Sports, The Guardian, and official club channels. Tactical analysis and historical context reflect the editorial team’s coverage of European football.

Written by

Carlos Mendez covers La Liga and Spanish football for Football Insider. Reporting from Madrid, Carlos provides daily news, match analysis, and transfer updates from Spain's top division.

Carlos Mendez
Carlos Mendez covers La Liga and Spanish football for Football Insider. Reporting from Madrid, Carlos provides daily news, match analysis, and transfer updates from Spain's top division.

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