Bristol City stun Manchester United to progress to Carabao Cup Semi Finals
Posted on: 21 Dec 2017It was a historic night for Bristol City FC last night as they defied the odds to send Jose Mourinho's Manchester United crashing out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-1 win at Ashton Gate. Korey Smith's last gasp winner confirmed City's progress to the semi-finals, where they will face unbeaten Premier League leaders Manchester City across two legs.
Few gave Bristol City a chance before last night's kick off against giants Manchester United, but the first half proved to be an even affair, with both sides creating good chances but unable to break the deadlock. City goalkeeper Luke Steele made an excellent account of himself, making some smart saves to keep the score at 0-0.
Despite Man United fielding an almost-full strength team, including the likes of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Paul Pogba and Anthony Martial, it was City that struck first, with the in-form Joe Bryan breaking through and firing into the top corner to make it 1-0. The Robins' lead lasted just eight minutes though, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic levelled the scoring with a drilled free-kick after a contentious refereeing decision.
The game opened up after United's goal, with some huge chances at both ends being denied by both sides' goalkeepers. It looked as though the game was headed for extra time, until Korey Smith's untracked run found him on the ball at the edge of United's 6-yard box before he coolly slotted the ball underneath Sergio Romero to seal a famous victory for City.
A packed-out Ashton Gate erupted at the final whistle, with some fans rushing onto the pitch to celebrate with the City players. Manager Lee Johnson and his players were elated, posing for photos and soaking in the atmosphere. "To beat Manchester United at home is a historic occasion" Johnson said after the match. "You don't beat them when you're Bristol City unless every man is doing a man-and-a-half's job".
The draw for the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup took place shortly after the final whistle, with Bristol City the only non-Premier League side left in the tournament. The Robins drew Manchester City - as yet unbeaten in the League this season and 11 points clear at the top - with the sides set to play across two legs; one at Ashton Gate Stadium and one at Man City's Etihad Stadium.
The first leg of Bristol City's Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City will take place on Tuesday 9th January 2018 at the Etihad Stadium, followed by the second leg at Ashton Gate on Tuesday 23rd January. For more information and to follow ticket updates, visit the Bristol Sport website.
Article by:
Editor - 365Bristol.com & LOUD Magazine
Matt is a Journalism graduate and writer, passionate about supporting Bristol music, art and independent business. Get in touch via email at matt@365bristol.com.
