Riyad Mahrez scored 3 goals, with Manchester City winning 3-0 over second-tier Sheffield United, and reaching the FA Cup final on Saturday.
After City's semi-final exit in the last three seasons, Pep Guardiola's side, who are looking to win a treble of trophies this season, have managed to overcome this hurdle deservedly.
Sheffield, aspiring to climb to the Premier League, started the game strongly but Mahrez opened the scoring for City with a goal from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute.
Mahrez made it 2-0 after burying the ball long and firing a volley into the net in the 61st minute, before completing the hat-trick five minutes later with a low pass from Jack Grealish.
It is the first time a player has scored three goals in an FA Cup semi-final since Alex Dawson for Manchester United against Fulham in 3.
Manchester City reach FA Cup final thanks to historic hat-trick from Algeria's Riyad Mahrez🇩🇿💣🔥#كأس_الاتحاد_الإنكليزي #مانشستر_سيتي pic.twitter.com/rdJSPJx6FO
— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS) April 22, 2023
City have not conceded a goal in their 12th run to the final, as they could face Manchester United in the first final of this competition between the two poles of the city. United play Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday.
After securing victory, Guardiola replaced Grealish and top scorer Erling Haaland as he began to consider a highly anticipated clash with Arsenal at the top of the Premier League next Wednesday.
City also reached the Champions League semi-finals, where they will face defending champions Real Madrid.
The result was frustrating for Sheffield United, who last won the FA Cup almost 100 years ago, and will now be focused on trying to get back into the Premier League after being relegated in 2021.