David Silva and Sergio Aguero steered City to the FA Cup semifinals with a 2-0 win at Middlesbrough. A win to boost Guardiola’s team morale ahead of midweek Champions League return at Monaco.
After the disappointment in midweek against Stoke, Guardiola was clear in admitting that without a trophy this would be a failure for City. Thus in the first quarterfinal his men responded positively when they beat Middlesbrough to be the first team to reach the FA Cup semifinals.
City took an early lead just after 3′ play when David Silva turned into the net a Pablo Zabaleta‘s cross.
The home side tried to get back into the game after this initial shock but its was heir keeper Brad Guzan who produced a series of fine saves to deny David Silva, the most inspired City player, Leroy Sane and Sergio Aguero from increasing City‘s tally.
The game was lost and won in the 67′ when Sergio Aguero met Sane‘s low cross to beat Guzan for the second time.
A good boost for the Citizens‘ moral ahead of their important return match in midweek at Monaco in the Champions League and as they prepare to meet in succession Liverpool, Arsenal and Chelsea.