Bernardo: O’Reilly was ‘unbelievable’ | OneFootball

Bernardo Silva says Nico O’Reilly was ‘unbelievable’ after his integral role in City’s 2-1 comeback win over Bournemouth to see Pep Guardiola’s side progress to the FA Cup semi-final.

The 20-year-old was substituted on at the start of the second half with Pep Guardiola’s side trailing 1-0 after Evanilson nudged the hosts ahead from close range just after the 20-minute mark.

O’Reilly, who scored twice in City’s 3-1 win over Plymouth Argyle in the previous round, was lightning quick down the left as City searched for an equaliser.

The versatile former Academy star played a perfect pass to the back post, where Erling Haaland was ready and waiting to tap home on 49 minutes for his 30th goal in 2024/25.

Just after the hour mark, O’Reilly poked the ball into the path of Omar Marmoush on the edge of the Bournemouth box.

Two minutes after replacing Haaland, the Egypt international fired City ahead with a low effort that squeezed under Kepa Arrizabalaga.

It would later prove the decisive moment as Guardiola’s outfit confirmed our place at Wembley for a record-breaking seventh successive season.

After the hard-fought win, Bernardo pointed to O’Reilly’s impact and the desire of the team that pulled City back in front to keep our FA Cup title hopes alive.

“I think the motivation that this is the only hope of us winning something [pulled us through],” said Bernardo.

“The team played a really good game, a really aggressive game – we are really happy today.

“He [Nico O’Reilly] was unbelievable. Against Plymouth he showed the impact he can have on the game and the energy he brought today changed the game. That’s what we need.”

Guardiola and his team will travel to England’s home at the end of April, with the date and time of our semi-final clash to be confirmed in due course.

Until then City will face Leicester, Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Everton before our Wembley encounter with Nottingham Forest.

And it’s a match-up Bernardo expects to be just as difficult as Bournemouth.

“It’s another tough draw for us,” said the midfielder.

“It’s the semi-finals and we will be playing at Wembley. We are very happy.”