Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarterfinals on Thursday night by beating Liverpool, 3-2. It was a thrilling match involving five different goal-scorers. However, it was City’s midfield maestro, Kevin De Bruyne, who ran the show.

Prior to the match, tensions were high between the two clubs. In fact, both teams, along with fan groups, scheduled a meeting during the World Cup break to ease pressure surrounding the game. Outside of one small dust up between Fabinho and Rodri in the second half, tempers did not flare much on the pitch. Both players were booked for their parts in the shoving match.

Haaland strikes yet again

Superstar striker Erling Haaland predictably opened the scoring in the game. And it took him less than 10 minutes to do so. The City forward got the better of Joe Gomez to net his 24th goal of the current campaign. Haaland has only featured in 18 total games this season.

Liverpool quickly fought back with a goal just 10 minutes later though. Fabio Carvalho passed the ball neatly into the back of the net after good work from James Milner and Joel Matip.

Riyad Mahrez gave City the lead once again just two minutes into the second half. The Algeria international scored thanks to a fantastic first touch and perfect finish into the bottom corner of the net.

However, Liverpool once again quickly scored to level the game again just one minute later. Mohamed Salah scored one of his easiest goals of the current campaign after a nice run down the flank by Darwin Núñez. All the Egyptian had to do was direct the shot into a wide open City goal.

Aké finds City winner over Liverpool in Carabao Cup

City regained the lead, this time for good, just 10 minutes later. Center back Nathan Ake placed a header back across Liverpool’s goal and into the net. De Bruyne put in a perfect cross for the goal.

The Belgium international may not have scored, but he did pick up two assists in the match. Along with the assists, De Bruyne also racked up five total key passes as well.

Liverpool’s loss means that there will be a new Carabao Cup winner this season. The Reds previously collected the cup back in February. Prior to Liverpool’s success last season, City won four consecutive Carabao Cup titles.

PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images