It’s a special feeling hearing the final whistle sound in a semi-final, knowing you’ve clinched your place in the game that matters most.
And, having lifted the trophy four times, we’ve fond memories of our final four showdowns, which we recall here…
City 4-3 Everton (Aggregate) 2015-16
Two years ago we were treated to a memorable fightback at the Etihad Stadium.
A stuttering Everton travelled down the East Lancs Road buoyed by their 2-1 first leg victory and having held City to a 0-0 draw in the league at the Etihad two weeks earlier.
Ross Barkley’s 20-yard goal after 18 minutes served only to enhance the Toffees feeling that it was going to be their night, but, roared on by the home crowd, City responded.
Fernandinho stroked home to level six minutes later and Kevin De Bruyne’s introduction swung the game in City’s favour as he finished Raheem Sterling’s cut back and then turned provider for Sergio Aguero to seal the win.
City 9-1 West Ham (Aggregate) 2013-14
A devastating display of attacking football all but sealed City’s place in the 2014 final as they put six past West Ham in the first leg of the semi-final.
Hat-trick hero Alvaro Negredo took the plaudits for the Blues, who were five goals to the good an hour into the tie, with Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko’s brace completing the rout.
The Spaniard was at it again in the second leg, finding the back of the net twice in addition to Aguero’s strike to complete an emphatic two-legged victory.
City 4-1 Middlesbrough (Aggregate) 1975-76
Another semi-final in which City showed character to progress having trailed after the first leg.
The Teeside outfit arrived at Maine Road with a 1-0 lead, but City swept forward with aplomb to convincingly secure a spot in the final.
Ged Keegan got the ball rolling with a powerful header, with strikes from Alan Oakes and Peter Barnes putting City in a commanding position before Joe Royle’s breakaway goal sealed the win.
City 3-1 Plymouth Argyle (Aggregate) 1973-74
A trio of legends played their part as City reached the 1974 final at the expense of Plymouth Argyle.
In the first leg, Tommy Booth powered home a header from Mike Summerbee’s corner to ensure the scores were level heading to Maine Road after Steve Davey had given Argyle the lead.
And in the second leg Francis Lee and Colin Bell scored two fine goals that were fitting of the occasion.
The former crashed one into the top right corner before Bell executed a deft lob to send City though.
City 4-3 Manchester United (Aggregate) 1969-70
A welcome victory over United preceded City’s first League Cup win in 1970.
Bell crashed in from the edge of the area, whilst Lee netted from the penalty spot to give City a 2-1 lead after the first leg at Maine Road.
A Denis Law strike put United 2-1 up at Old Trafford, but City, who had Ian Bowyer on target earlier, clinched a 4-3 aggregate victory thanks to Summerbee, who reacted quickest after Alex Stepney spilled Lee’s thunderous free-kick.
