Erling Haaland scored three goals. © APA/afp / DARREN STAPLES

Haaland hat trick: Man City thrash Liverpool

Manchester City impressively won the FA Cup quarter-final thanks to Erling Haaland, plunging Liverpool even deeper into crisis.

April 04, 2026

From: dpa

Even without their suspended coach Pep Guardiola, City demolished the reigning champions 4-0 (2-0) on Easter Saturday. The Norwegian was the standout player on the pitch, scoring three goals (39th minute penalty, 45+2, 57th). Ghanaian Antoine Semenyo added the third goal in the 50th minute.

Haaland gave the hosts the lead from the penalty spot after Virgil van Dijk fouled Nico O'Reilly and added a second with a header from a Semenyo cross just before halftime. Semenyo then chipped the ball over the goalkeeper and Haaland completed his hat trick, sealing Liverpool's humiliation. Manchester City reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the eighth consecutive time, setting a new record, while for Liverpool, it was yet another blow in what has already been a disastrous season.

Another blow for Liverpool

Dutch coach Arne Slot was already facing fierce opposition before the defeat. After managing just one point from their last three games, Liverpool have slipped to fifth place in the Premier League and are now fighting to secure a Champions League spot. With their cup exit, their next chance at a title has also vanished. And on Wednesday, they face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League quarter-finals.

City had a fantastic day. © APA/afp / DARREN STAPLES

The club's all-time leading scorer, Mohamed Salah, who is leaving in the summer, missed a golden opportunity to at least score a consolation goal. In his first game since announcing his departure, the Egyptian failed to convert a weak penalty, his shot saved by goalkeeper James Trafford (64').