EFL Cup 2025-26: Pep Guardiola's Manchester City Ease Past Brentford To Book Semi-Finale Ticket

At the Etihad Stadium, Manchester City secured an easy 2-0 win over Brentford. Pep Guardiola utilized his squad, handing starts to several young talents. Frenchman Rayan Cherki opened the scoring in the 32nd minute with a composed finish, settling any early nerves. Brentford struggled to find their rhythm without key players, and City doubled their advantage in the 67th minute through Savinho, who capitalized on a defensive lapse. The "Sky Blues" controlled the remainder of the match with their signature possession game, cruising into the final four for the first time since 2021.

Updated on: 18 December 2025 12:08 pm

Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Rico Lewis

Manchester City's Rico Lewis shakes hands with Manchester City's Charlie Gray after the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Brentfords players

Brentford's players applaud fans after the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Pep Guardiola

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola and players applaud fans after the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola speaks to the referees after the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Phil Foden

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola substitutes Manchester City's Phil Foden with Manchester City's Charlie Gray, left, during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Matheus Nunes

Manchester City's Matheus Nunes, left, challenges for the ball with Brentford's Kevin Schade during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-

Rain falls during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Bernardo Silva

Manchester City's Bernardo Silva gestures as he comes on the pitch during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Divine Mukasa

Manchester City's Divine Mukasa, right, challenges for the ball with Brentford's Nathan Collins during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City vs Brentford EFL Cup Soccer-Rayan Cherki

Manchester City's Rayan Cherki scores his side's first goal during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super

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Manchester City's Phil Foden during the English League Cup soccer match between Manchester City and Brentford in Manchester, England. | Photo: AP/Jon Super