Manchester City Secure 2-0 Advantage in Carabao Cup Semi-Final First Leg

Manchester City took a commanding step toward the Carabao Cup final with a 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the first leg of their semi-final tie at St James' Park on January 13, 2026.

New signing Antoine Semenyo, who joined from Bournemouth for £62.5 million earlier in the month, continued his impressive start by opening the scoring in the 53rd minute. The winger latched onto a cross to fire home from close range, marking his second goal in as many appearances for the club.

City dominated much of the second half and thought they had doubled their lead around the hour mark when Semenyo netted again, only for the effort to be disallowed after a lengthy VAR review for offside in the build-up.

The visitors sealed the win deep into stoppage time as Rayan Cherki, another recent arrival, finished clinically following a swift counter-attack to make it 2-0 in the ninth minute of added time.

The result gives Pep Guardiola's side a strong two-goal cushion heading into the second leg at the Etihad Stadium on February 4. With solid defending and clinical finishing from their new recruits, City remain firmly on course in their bid for another domestic trophy this season.