Manchester City completed a domestic cup double after edging Chelsea 1-0 in the FA Cup final on Saturday, thanks to a brilliant second-half strike from Antoine Semenyo.
The decisive moment arrived in the 72nd minute when Semenyo cleverly back-heeled the ball beyond Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez after meeting a low delivery from Erling Haaland.
The goal transformed an otherwise cagey contest at Wembley, with both teams pushing for openings in the closing stages.
Rayan Cherki tested Sanchez with a powerful effort, while Matheus Nunes struck the post as City searched for a second goal.
City captain Bernardo Silva, who is expected to leave the club at the end of the campaign, described the triumph as an emotional moment.
“It’s very special,” Silva said after the match. “To finish this way in my final season and give the fans another trophy means a lot. We still believe we can keep fighting for the Premier League.”
Manager Pep Guardiola saw his side secure a second domestic trophy of the season after lifting the League Cup in March. City remain two points behind league leaders Arsenal with two matches left in the Premier League title race.
Chelsea, meanwhile, suffered a seventh straight defeat in a domestic cup final. Despite creating opportunities through Enzo Fernandez, Joao Pedro and Liam Delap, the Blues failed to find an equaliser.
The defeat added to a disappointing campaign for Chelsea, whose hopes of qualifying for European competition next season now appear increasingly unlikely.
The club’s owners, BlueCo, are also continuing their search for a permanent manager following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, with interim coach Calum McFarlane currently in charge.
