Al-Ahli beats Machida Zelvia in extra time to retain AFC Champions League Elite title Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless drawThere were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title chargeThe tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history. LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS 2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) 2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia) 2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates) 2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) 2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea) 2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan) 2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan) 2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea) 2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China) 2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia) 2013 Guangzhou Evergrande (China) 2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea) 2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar) 2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) 2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan) 2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan) 2006 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea) 2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia) 2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE) 2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea) 2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea) 1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan) 1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea) 1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea) 1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) 1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand) 1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran) 1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia) 1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran) 1989-90 Liaoning FC (China) 1988-89 Al-Sadd (Qatar) 1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan) 1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan) 1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea) 1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD 1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel) 1970 Taj Tehran (Iran) 1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel) 1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD 1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel) Published on Apr 26, 2026 #AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

Al-Ahli beats Machida Zelvia in extra time to retain AFC Champions League Elite title
Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.
It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.
Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.
ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw
There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.
Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.
The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.
The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.
Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.
ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge
The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.
All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.
The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.
There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.
LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS
2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)
2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)
2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)
2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)
2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)
2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)
2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)
2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)
2013 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)
2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)
2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)
2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)
2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)
2006 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)
2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)
2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)
2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)
2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)
1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)
1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)
1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)
1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)
1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)
1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)
1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)
1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)
1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)
1988-89 Al-Sadd (Qatar)
1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)
1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)
1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)
1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD
1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)
1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)
1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)
1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD
1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)
Published on Apr 26, 2026
#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

Al-Ahli of Saudi Arabia successfully defended the AFC Champions League Elite crown after beating first-time finalist Machida Zelvia of Japan 1-0 on Saturday.

It took an extra-time goal from Saudi international striker Firas Al-Burikan to settle a bad-tempered final in front of 60,000 mainly Al-Ahli fans in Jeddah.

Al-Ahli played with 10 men for almost an hour but Machida was unable to make the advantage count.

ALSO READ | ISL 2025-26: Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

There were few scoring opportunities in the first half although Al-Ahli, owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, should have taken the lead when Brazilian winger Galeno broke free of the Machida defense only to see his low shot saved by goalkeeper Kosei Tani. Just before the break, Merih Demiral’s close-range effort was blocked on the line.

Al-Ahli was reduced to 10 men midway through the second half when Zakaria Hawsawi was sent off for headbutting Tete Yangi as the two came together in front of the referee.

The dismissal shifted the momentum. Machida forced Al-Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy into several saves. Normal time ended with Al-Ahli substitute Mohammed Abdulrahman also shown a red card while on the sidelines.

The deadlock was broken in the sixth minute of extra time when former Barcelona and AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie laid the ball off for Al-Burikan to fire high into the net from close range.

Al-Ahli became the first team to win back-to-back Asian titles since city rival Al-Ittihad in 2005.

ALSO READ | One down four to go, says Rice, as Arsenal reignites title charge

The tetchy final reflected issues throughout the tournament.

All games from the quarterfinal stage onward were staged in Jeddah, and only 395 spectators attended Machida’s semifinal win over Shabab Al-Ahli of the United Arab Emirates.

The war in the Middle East postponed round-of-16 matches in West Asia from March to April and reduced them from two legs to one.

There were doubts over whether East Asia teams would travel to Saudi Arabia for the knockout rounds, but Machida, which has never won the J1 League, made club history.

LIST OF AFC ASIAN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE WINNERS

2025-26 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2024-25 Al-Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

2023-24 Al-Ain (United Arab Emirates)

2022 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2021 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2020 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2019 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

2018 ‌Kashima ⁠Antlers (Japan)

2017 Urawa Red ⁠Diamonds (Japan)

2016 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2015 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2014 Western Sydney Wanderers (Australia)

2013 Guangzhou Evergrande (China)

2012 Ulsan ‌Hyundai (South Korea)

2011 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

2010 Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

2009 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

2008 Gamba Osaka (Japan)

2007 ‌Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

2006 Jeonbuk Motors (South Korea)

2005 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2004 Al-Ittihad (Saudi Arabia)

2002-03 Al-Ain (UAE)

2001-02 ⁠Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

2000-01 Suwon Bluewings (South Korea)

1999-2000 Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1998-99 ‌Jubilo Iwata (Japan)

1997-98 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1996-97 Pohang Steelers (South Korea)

1995 Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea)

1994-95 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1993-94 Thai Farmers Bank (Thailand)

1992-93 PAS Tehran (Iran)

1991 ‌Al-Hilal (Saudi Arabia)

1990-91 Esteghlal (Iran)

1989-90 Liaoning FC (China)

1988-89 Al-Sadd (Qatar)

1987 Yomiuri FC (Japan)

1986 Furukawa Electric (Japan)

1985-86 Daewoo Royals (South ⁠Korea)

1972-1984 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1971 ⁠Maccabi Tel Aviv (Israel)

1970 Taj Tehran (Iran)

1969 Maccabi Tel ‌Aviv (Israel)

1968 COMPETITION NOT HELD

1967 Hapoel Tel Aviv (Israel)

Published on Apr 26, 2026

Source link
#AlAhli #beats #Machida #Zelvia #extra #time #retain #AFC #Champions #League #Elite #title

Tag AFC Champions League Elite final AFC Champions League result Al-Ahli 1-0 Machida Zelvia Al-Ahli Asian champions Al-Ahli beat Machida Zelvia to win AFC Champions League Al-Ahli defend AFC Champions League crown Al-Ahli Saudi FC vs Machida Zelvia Al-Ahli title win 2026 Al-Ahli win with 10 men in AFC final Firas Al-Burikan extra time goal seals title Football News Machida Zelvia lose first Asian final Saudi club dominance in Asian football sports news

Make Room On The Bandwagon — Here Are 28 Beauty Products You’ll Love As Much As Everyone Else On TikTok

Deadspin | Austin blanks Houston in Copa Tejas clash Apr 22, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver (1) makes a save against the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images Myrto Uzuni scored a goal and assisted on a tally by Jayden Nelson as host Austin FC defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Saturday in the latest edition of the Copa Tejas series between the Lone Star State rivals. Austin (2-4-4, 10 points) bounced back from a 5-1 thrashing at San Jose on Wednesday with a dominating first half and then held on as the Dynamo never mounted more than a tepid rally in the second half. The Verde snapped a seven-match MLS winless streak dating back to a 1-0 home victory over D.C. United on March 1 as goalkeeper Brad Stuver stopped five shots to record his third clean sheet of the year. Austin improved to 6-1-1 in eight all-time league matches against the Dynamo at home. Houston (4-5-0, 12 points) had a two-game MLS winning streak snapped and was held without a goal for the third time this year. The Verde were the aggressor through the match’s early minutes and earned a dividend for that strategy when Nelson found the net in the 13th minute. Uzuni started the scoring play with a pass in the box to Facundo Torres, who drew the Houston defense toward the right side of the area. Torres then passed across the box to Nelson, who steadied the ball onto his right foot before whipping a curving shot past Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond off the inside of the right post and over the goal line to give Austin the lead. That was the first goal Bond and the Dynamo defense had allowed in 193 minutes after recording back-to-back clean sheet wins in the team’s past two league matches. Bond stopped a pair of low-percentage shots from Christian Ramirez in the 21st and 27th minutes before Houston tested Stuver with shots from Hector Herrera in the 30th minute and Mateusz Bogusz a minute later. Uzuni had to feel unlucky when he clanged a shot off the left post in the 35th minute but was repaid when his free kick two minutes into first-half stoppage time deflected off Houston’s defensive wall and bounded past Bond into the bottom-left corner of the goal to double the Verde’s advantage. Neither team produced a serious scoring threat after halftime. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Austin #blanks #Houston #Copa #Tejas #clash

#Deadspin #Austin #blanks #Houston #Copa #Tejas #clash">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 22, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver (1) makes a save against the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Myrto Uzuni scored a goal and assisted on a tally by Jayden Nelson as host Austin FC defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Saturday in the latest edition of the Copa Tejas series between the Lone Star State rivals.

Austin (2-4-4, 10 points) bounced back from a 5-1 thrashing at San Jose on Wednesday with a dominating first half and then held on as the Dynamo never mounted more than a tepid rally in the second half.

The Verde snapped a seven-match MLS winless streak dating back to a 1-0 home victory over D.C. United on March 1 as goalkeeper Brad Stuver stopped five shots to record his third clean sheet of the year. Austin improved to 6-1-1 in eight all-time league matches against the Dynamo at home.

Houston (4-5-0, 12 points) had a two-game MLS winning streak snapped and was held without a goal for the third time this year.

The Verde were the aggressor through the match’s early minutes and earned a dividend for that strategy when Nelson found the net in the 13th minute.

Uzuni started the scoring play with a pass in the box to Facundo Torres, who drew the Houston defense toward the right side of the area. Torres then passed across the box to Nelson, who steadied the ball onto his right foot before whipping a curving shot past Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond off the inside of the right post and over the goal line to give Austin the lead.

That was the first goal Bond and the Dynamo defense had allowed in 193 minutes after recording back-to-back clean sheet wins in the team’s past two league matches.

Bond stopped a pair of low-percentage shots from Christian Ramirez in the 21st and 27th minutes before Houston tested Stuver with shots from Hector Herrera in the 30th minute and Mateusz Bogusz a minute later.

Uzuni had to feel unlucky when he clanged a shot off the left post in the 35th minute but was repaid when his free kick two minutes into first-half stoppage time deflected off Houston’s defensive wall and bounded past Bond into the bottom-left corner of the goal to double the Verde’s advantage.

Neither team produced a serious scoring threat after halftime.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Austin #blanks #Houston #Copa #Tejas #clash">Deadspin | Austin blanks Houston in Copa Tejas clash

Apr 22, 2026; San Jose, California, USA; Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver (1) makes a save against the San Jose Earthquakes in the first half at PayPal Park. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Myrto Uzuni scored a goal and assisted on a tally by Jayden Nelson as host Austin FC defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-0 on Saturday in the latest edition of the Copa Tejas series between the Lone Star State rivals.

Austin (2-4-4, 10 points) bounced back from a 5-1 thrashing at San Jose on Wednesday with a dominating first half and then held on as the Dynamo never mounted more than a tepid rally in the second half.

The Verde snapped a seven-match MLS winless streak dating back to a 1-0 home victory over D.C. United on March 1 as goalkeeper Brad Stuver stopped five shots to record his third clean sheet of the year. Austin improved to 6-1-1 in eight all-time league matches against the Dynamo at home.

Houston (4-5-0, 12 points) had a two-game MLS winning streak snapped and was held without a goal for the third time this year.

The Verde were the aggressor through the match’s early minutes and earned a dividend for that strategy when Nelson found the net in the 13th minute.

Uzuni started the scoring play with a pass in the box to Facundo Torres, who drew the Houston defense toward the right side of the area. Torres then passed across the box to Nelson, who steadied the ball onto his right foot before whipping a curving shot past Houston goalkeeper Jonathan Bond off the inside of the right post and over the goal line to give Austin the lead.

That was the first goal Bond and the Dynamo defense had allowed in 193 minutes after recording back-to-back clean sheet wins in the team’s past two league matches.

Bond stopped a pair of low-percentage shots from Christian Ramirez in the 21st and 27th minutes before Houston tested Stuver with shots from Hector Herrera in the 30th minute and Mateusz Bogusz a minute later.

Uzuni had to feel unlucky when he clanged a shot off the left post in the 35th minute but was repaid when his free kick two minutes into first-half stoppage time deflected off Houston’s defensive wall and bounded past Bond into the bottom-left corner of the goal to double the Verde’s advantage.

Neither team produced a serious scoring threat after halftime.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Austin #blanks #Houston #Copa #Tejas #clash

Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s feat of becoming the first side to ever reach four consecutive FA Cup finals after a late fightback denied Southampton a shock victory at Wembley.

Saints were heading towards their first final in 23 years when Finn Azaz’s brilliant finish put the Championship side in front 11 minutes from time.

City, though, hit back immediately through Jeremy Doku before Nico Gonzalez’s sensational strike edged the semifinal 2-1.

Guardiola’s men have lost their last two FA Cup finals to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. They beat the Red Devils in 2023.

City, which will face Chelsea or Leeds in the final, is now well in contention for a domestic treble.

MATCH REPORT | Man City fights back to beat Southampton and reach fourth straight FA Cup final

Guardiola’s men lifted the League Cup last month and are locked in a tight battle for the Premier League title with Arsenal.

“No team has made four finals in a row. It’s extraordinary and hopefully we can arrive with a good momentum,” said Guardiola.

The City manager’s decision to make eight changes from the side that beat Burnley 1-0 on Wednesday looked misguided as Southampton enjoyed the better of the first half.

But Guardiola’s side improved markedly after the break and were aided by the introduction of Doku, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva off the bench.

“It was difficult but the wingers (Doku and Savinho) when they came in changed the pace,” added Guardiola.

“The first time they crossed the halfway line they made a fantastic goal. Football is always unpredictable but the way we played in the second half was extraordinary.”

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Guardiola #hails #extraordinary #Man #City #reaction #Cup #history">

Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Man City reaction to make FA Cup history Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s feat of becoming the first side to ever reach four consecutive FA Cup finals after a late fightback denied Southampton a shock victory at Wembley.Saints were heading towards their first final in 23 years when Finn Azaz’s brilliant finish put the Championship side in front 11 minutes from time.City, though, hit back immediately through Jeremy Doku before Nico Gonzalez’s sensational strike edged the semifinal 2-1.Guardiola’s men have lost their last two FA Cup finals to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. They beat the Red Devils in 2023.City, which will face Chelsea or Leeds in the final, is now well in contention for a domestic treble.MATCH REPORT | Man City fights back to beat Southampton and reach fourth straight FA Cup finalGuardiola’s men lifted the League Cup last month and are locked in a tight battle for the Premier League title with Arsenal.“No team has made four finals in a row. It’s extraordinary and hopefully we can arrive with a good momentum,” said Guardiola.The City manager’s decision to make eight changes from the side that beat Burnley 1-0 on Wednesday looked misguided as Southampton enjoyed the better of the first half.But Guardiola’s side improved markedly after the break and were aided by the introduction of Doku, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva off the bench.“It was difficult but the wingers (Doku and Savinho) when they came in changed the pace,” added Guardiola.“The first time they crossed the halfway line they made a fantastic goal. Football is always unpredictable but the way we played in the second half was extraordinary.”Published on Apr 26, 2026 #Guardiola #hails #extraordinary #Man #City #reaction #Cup #history

mwasimuddin125 0

Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s feat of becoming the first side to ever reach four consecutive FA Cup finals after a late fightback denied Southampton a shock victory at Wembley.
Saints were heading towards their first final in 23 years when Finn Azaz’s brilliant finish put the Championship side in front 11 minutes from time.
City, though, hit back immediately through Jeremy Doku before Nico Gonzalez’s sensational strike edged the semifinal 2-1.
Guardiola’s men have lost their last two FA Cup finals to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. They beat the Red Devils in 2023.
City, which will face Chelsea or Leeds in the final, is now well in contention for a domestic treble.
MATCH REPORT | Man City fights back to beat Southampton and reach fourth straight FA Cup final
Guardiola’s men lifted the League Cup last month and are locked in a tight battle for the Premier League title with Arsenal.
“No team has made four finals in a row. It’s extraordinary and hopefully we can arrive with a good momentum,” said Guardiola.
The City manager’s decision to make eight changes from the side that beat Burnley 1-0 on Wednesday looked misguided as Southampton enjoyed the better of the first half.
But Guardiola’s side improved markedly after the break and were aided by the introduction of Doku, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva off the bench.
“It was difficult but the wingers (Doku and Savinho) when they came in changed the pace,” added Guardiola.
“The first time they crossed the halfway line they made a fantastic goal. Football is always unpredictable but the way we played in the second half was extraordinary.”
Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Guardiola #hails #extraordinary #Man #City #reaction #Cup #history">Guardiola hails ‘extraordinary’ Man City reaction to make FA Cup history

Pep Guardiola hailed Manchester City’s feat of becoming the first side to ever reach four consecutive FA Cup finals after a late fightback denied Southampton a shock victory at Wembley.

Saints were heading towards their first final in 23 years when Finn Azaz’s brilliant finish put the Championship side in front 11 minutes from time.

City, though, hit back immediately through Jeremy Doku before Nico Gonzalez’s sensational strike edged the semifinal 2-1.

Guardiola’s men have lost their last two FA Cup finals to Crystal Palace and Manchester United. They beat the Red Devils in 2023.

City, which will face Chelsea or Leeds in the final, is now well in contention for a domestic treble.

MATCH REPORT | Man City fights back to beat Southampton and reach fourth straight FA Cup final

Guardiola’s men lifted the League Cup last month and are locked in a tight battle for the Premier League title with Arsenal.

“No team has made four finals in a row. It’s extraordinary and hopefully we can arrive with a good momentum,” said Guardiola.

The City manager’s decision to make eight changes from the side that beat Burnley 1-0 on Wednesday looked misguided as Southampton enjoyed the better of the first half.

But Guardiola’s side improved markedly after the break and were aided by the introduction of Doku, Erling Haaland and Bernardo Silva off the bench.

“It was difficult but the wingers (Doku and Savinho) when they came in changed the pace,” added Guardiola.

“The first time they crossed the halfway line they made a fantastic goal. Football is always unpredictable but the way we played in the second half was extraordinary.”

Published on Apr 26, 2026

#Guardiola #hails #extraordinary #Man #City #reaction #Cup #history

Deadspin | Sam Surridge scores brace as Nashville SC handles Charlotte FC Apr 25, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville SC midfielder Hany Mukhtar (10) shoots the ball during the first half of their game against Charlotte FC at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images Sam Surridge came off the bench to score a brace in the second half of Nashville SC’s 4-2 win over visiting Charlotte FC on Saturday. Nashville (7-1-1, 22 points) is on a three-match winning streak in MLS play and sits in first place in the Eastern Conference. Between the MLS regular season and their run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, Nashville SC has lost only one of 15 matches (10-1-4) in all competitions this season. Morrison and Pep Biel scored for Charlotte FC (4-4-2, 14 points), who are 1-3-0 in their last three regular-season matches. Two of those losses were to Nashville SC, who also earned a 2-1 victory in Charlotte on April 11. Surridge missed Nashville’s previous match due to a hamstring injury, and only entered Saturday’s action as a halftime substitute. The forward looked to be fully fit in scoring his eighth and ninth goals of the season. Hany Mukhtar and Ahmed Qasem each scored within the opening 25 minutes of a dominant first half for Nashville SC. The home side held 61% of the possession, a 9-2 edge in total shots, and a 5-1 edge in shots on target in the opening 45 minutes. Charlotte FC’s first shot on target salvaged an otherwise miserable first half for the visitors. In the 42nd minute, Ashley Westwood’s free kick found Morrison at the near post, who dove forward with a header to knock the ball home. After replacing Warren Madrigal at halftime, it took Surridge only 15 minutes to strike. Mukhtar intentionally avoided an Andy Najar pass to let the ball get to Surridge, who buried the shot. Biel’s team-leading fifth goal narrowed Charlotte’s deficit in the 68th minute. Nashville’s defenders left Biel with too much space outside the box, and the midfielder capitalized by firing a terrific shot under the bar. Before Charlotte could gather more momentum, Surridge scored again in the 74th minute. A corner kick bounced back to Mukhtar in the box, and Mukhtar’s shot was redirected by Surridge into the net. Charlotte FC defender Harry Toffolo left in the 35th minute with an apparent hamstring injury. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Sam #Surridge #scores #brace #Nashville #handles #Charlotte

#Deadspin #Sam #Surridge #scores #brace #Nashville #handles #Charlotte">

mwasimuddin125 0

Apr 25, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville SC midfielder Hany Mukhtar (10) shoots the ball during the first half of their game against Charlotte FC at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

Sam Surridge came off the bench to score a brace in the second half of Nashville SC’s 4-2 win over visiting Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Nashville (7-1-1, 22 points) is on a three-match winning streak in MLS play and sits in first place in the Eastern Conference.

Between the MLS regular season and their run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, Nashville SC has lost only one of 15 matches (10-1-4) in all competitions this season.

Morrison and Pep Biel scored for Charlotte FC (4-4-2, 14 points), who are 1-3-0 in their last three regular-season matches. Two of those losses were to Nashville SC, who also earned a 2-1 victory in Charlotte on April 11.

Surridge missed Nashville’s previous match due to a hamstring injury, and only entered Saturday’s action as a halftime substitute. The forward looked to be fully fit in scoring his eighth and ninth goals of the season.

Hany Mukhtar and Ahmed Qasem each scored within the opening 25 minutes of a dominant first half for Nashville SC. The home side held 61% of the possession, a 9-2 edge in total shots, and a 5-1 edge in shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Charlotte FC’s first shot on target salvaged an otherwise miserable first half for the visitors. In the 42nd minute, Ashley Westwood’s free kick found Morrison at the near post, who dove forward with a header to knock the ball home.

After replacing Warren Madrigal at halftime, it took Surridge only 15 minutes to strike. Mukhtar intentionally avoided an Andy Najar pass to let the ball get to Surridge, who buried the shot.

Biel’s team-leading fifth goal narrowed Charlotte’s deficit in the 68th minute. Nashville’s defenders left Biel with too much space outside the box, and the midfielder capitalized by firing a terrific shot under the bar.

Before Charlotte could gather more momentum, Surridge scored again in the 74th minute. A corner kick bounced back to Mukhtar in the box, and Mukhtar’s shot was redirected by Surridge into the net.

Charlotte FC defender Harry Toffolo left in the 35th minute with an apparent hamstring injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sam #Surridge #scores #brace #Nashville #handles #Charlotte">Deadspin | Sam Surridge scores brace as Nashville SC handles Charlotte FC

Apr 25, 2026; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Nashville SC midfielder Hany Mukhtar (10) shoots the ball during the first half of their game against Charlotte FC at Geodis Park. Mandatory Credit: Alan Poizner-Imagn Images

Sam Surridge came off the bench to score a brace in the second half of Nashville SC’s 4-2 win over visiting Charlotte FC on Saturday.

Nashville (7-1-1, 22 points) is on a three-match winning streak in MLS play and sits in first place in the Eastern Conference.

Between the MLS regular season and their run to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-finals, Nashville SC has lost only one of 15 matches (10-1-4) in all competitions this season.

Morrison and Pep Biel scored for Charlotte FC (4-4-2, 14 points), who are 1-3-0 in their last three regular-season matches. Two of those losses were to Nashville SC, who also earned a 2-1 victory in Charlotte on April 11.

Surridge missed Nashville’s previous match due to a hamstring injury, and only entered Saturday’s action as a halftime substitute. The forward looked to be fully fit in scoring his eighth and ninth goals of the season.

Hany Mukhtar and Ahmed Qasem each scored within the opening 25 minutes of a dominant first half for Nashville SC. The home side held 61% of the possession, a 9-2 edge in total shots, and a 5-1 edge in shots on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Charlotte FC’s first shot on target salvaged an otherwise miserable first half for the visitors. In the 42nd minute, Ashley Westwood’s free kick found Morrison at the near post, who dove forward with a header to knock the ball home.

After replacing Warren Madrigal at halftime, it took Surridge only 15 minutes to strike. Mukhtar intentionally avoided an Andy Najar pass to let the ball get to Surridge, who buried the shot.

Biel’s team-leading fifth goal narrowed Charlotte’s deficit in the 68th minute. Nashville’s defenders left Biel with too much space outside the box, and the midfielder capitalized by firing a terrific shot under the bar.

Before Charlotte could gather more momentum, Surridge scored again in the 74th minute. A corner kick bounced back to Mukhtar in the box, and Mukhtar’s shot was redirected by Surridge into the net.

Charlotte FC defender Harry Toffolo left in the 35th minute with an apparent hamstring injury.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Sam #Surridge #scores #brace #Nashville #handles #Charlotte

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