MANCHESTER, England : Erling Haaland scored a hat-trick as Manchester City thrashed Liverpool 4-0 to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Liverpool started brightly, with Mohamed Salah missing an early chance, but the game turned when Haaland converted a 37th-minute penalty after a foul by Virgil van Dijk on Nico O’Reilly.
Haaland doubled the lead in first-half stoppage time, heading home from an assist by Antoine Semenyo, before Semenyo added a third early in the second half after being set up by Rayan Cherki.
The Norwegian completed his hat-trick in the 57th minute, striking off the underside of the crossbar as City took full control.
Liverpool’s hopes of a comeback faded when Salah had a penalty saved by James Trafford, compounding a disappointing outing for the visitors.
Manager Pep Guardiola later substituted Haaland to a standing ovation, replacing him with Omar Marmoush as City cruised into the last four.
The semi-finals will be held at Wembley Stadium, with City continuing their pursuit of domestic silverware.
