City came into this semi-final on the back of Saturday's 10-1 trouncing of Exeter City in the FA Cup third round, and though the Magpies posed a completely different challenge, the visitors took control of the tie. Guardiola's side had to contend with a raucous St James' Park atmosphere and though they quietened the hostile crowd with their passing patterns in the first half, they did not manage to work any efforts on Pope's goal. Substitute Cherki was twice denied by Pope after coming on, but the Frenchman swept in late on to complete a fine team move and give his side a vital two-goal cushion heading into the second leg. City go into the return meeting at Etihad Stadium on 4 February with recent history on their side as they have progressed from their last six Carabao Cup semi-finals and gone on to lift the trophy on each occasion. They are now heavy favourites to reach Wembley again in this competition for the first time since 2021.

Source: BBC January 13, 2026 22:43 UTC