Championship side Southampton's remarkable FA Cup run came to an end in the semi-finals at Wembley, where they led Manchester City before losing 2-1. Finn Azaz's stunning strike gave the Saints a late lead, but Jeremy Doku equalized and Nico Gonzalez scored a 30-yard winner. After upsets over Fulham and Arsenal, Southampton exit having reached the semis for the first time in years.
Southampton stunned the football world with their FA Cup exploits this season, beating Fulham with a late penalty, then toppling Premier League leaders Arsenal 2-1 in the quarter-finals. Their dream continued in the semis against Manchester City, but they fell just short. The Saints had a goal disallowed early (Leo Scienza offside) and defended resolutely in a first half where City dominated possession without breaking through. In the 79th minute, Finn Azaz curled a sublime swerving shot past James Trafford for a shock lead. Moments later, Doku's deflected effort leveled it, and three minutes from time, Gonzalez's unstoppable 30-yard strike into the top corner sealed City's win. Kuryu Matsuki cleared off the line late for Southampton. Despite the loss, boss Tonda Eckert earned praise from Pep Guardiola as 'exceptional.' City's second-half dominance prevailed, but Southampton's campaign marks them as giant-killers.
