Chelsea ended Manchester City’s quadruple bid as Hakim Ziyech’s goal secured a 1-0 win at Wembley to send Thomas Tuchel’s side through to the FA Cup final.
Ziyech converted Timo Werner’s squared pass after Chelsea sprang the Manchester City offside trap 10 minutes into the second half and the goal proved decisive in a game of few chances.
City could yet face Chelsea again in the Champions League final after both sides advanced in Europe earlier this week, but they were well below par at Wembley and their problems were compounded by an injury to Kevin De Bruyne.
The Belgian was forced off early in the second half, making him a doubt for next weekend’s Carabao Cup final against Tottenham, and Pep Guardiola’s side were unable to muster a response after Ziyech’s strike despite dominating possession.
Pep Guardiola’s side have now been knocked out of the FA Cup at the semifinal stage in back-to-back campaigns.
The result also means that City will be unable to win all four major trophies this season, but could seal their first trophy with a win over Tottenham in the Carabao Cup.
Chelsea thought they opened the scoring inside six minutes through Ziyech but the goal was ruled out after Timo Werner was in an offside position in the build up.
However, Chelsea were the better team throughout the half but their best chance fell to Ben Chilwell who hit a close range volley wide of the post after 19 minutes.
City suffered a blow minutes after the break when De Bruyne picked up an ankle injury and was replaced by Phil Foden.
Less than 10 minutes after De Bruyne’s departure, Chelsea scored after Werner set up Ziyech to score in an empty net after City goalkeeper Zack Steffen found himself in a poor position.
The American made up for his mistake moments later when he made a good save to deny Ziyech from doubling Chelsea’s lead.
City came close to leveling the score but Ruben Dias was unable to convert his header from inside the box which sailed over the bar.
Chelsea had a very late scare as keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga clawed away Rodri’s injury-time header.
Substitute Christian Pulisic thought he grabbed a second in stoppage time but it was ruled out for offside but Chelsea held on to reach another FA Cup final.
Chelsea face Leicester City or Southampton, who play their semifinal on Sunday, in the final on May 15.
Chelsea manager, Thomas Tuchel, can now reflect on a hugely satisfying week as his impressive start at Stamford Bridge gathers momentum.
