Manchester City Survives Bournemouth Scare in FA Cup Quarter-Final

The FA Cup always packs surprises, and this clash between Bournemouth and Manchester City was a game no fan wanted to miss. Taking place at the Vitality Stadium on March 30, 2025, this quarter-final had drama written all over it. Manchester City, with their trademark big-game aura, faced a Bournemouth side that had nothing to lose, setting the stage for a fiery showdown.

Fans in the United States had to tune in early, with kick-off slated for 11:30 AM ET on ESPN+. Across the pond, viewers caught every moment on ITVX. International supporters scrambled to get around geoblocks, with many opting for VPN services like NordVPN to access exclusive broadcasts.

Team News, Standout Performances, and Streaming Details

City found themselves desperate for a deep cup run, their dreams of European and Premier League glory already dashed. Pep Guardiola, relying on his squad’s depth, welcomed back defenders Joško Gvardiol and goalkeeper Ederson—both vital after spells on the sidelines. On the other side, Bournemouth missed key men; Adam Smith and Enes Unal’s injuries meant the home side entered the match a little thin, especially at the back.

The contest started with Bournemouth taking a shock early lead. Evanilson, ever the opportunist, found the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. City didn’t panic, though—they’ve been here before. In response, Erling Haaland did what he does best, scoring to level the playing field and proving why he’s the Premier League’s most feared striker.

The game’s tempo never dropped. Both teams attacked with intent, trading chances and forcing both keepers into action. Bournemouth, against expectations, didn’t roll over, even as the favorites grew more comfortable. For City supporters, nerves were shredded as the game edged toward full-time.

That’s when Omar Marmoush stepped up. The forward seized on a loose ball in the box and drove City into the lead, turning the tension into wild relief for Guardiola and the visiting fans. Bournemouth rallied to equalize, but City’s defense, steady with Gvardiol anchoring the back line, held out. The referee’s whistle confirmed a 2-1 City victory, booking their place in the semi-finals and offering a glimmer of hope in a season loaded with challenges.

If you missed the live action or want to relive City’s comeback, replays and highlights are already making the rounds on streaming platforms that carried the match. ESPN+ subscribers in the US and ITVX viewers in the UK can access on-demand coverage. For international fans, VPNs remain the go-to workaround for regional restrictions—worth knowing if you want to watch every goal and every save, no matter where you are.

This win keeps Manchester City in pursuit of silverware, giving their supporters something to cheer about after a rocky campaign. Bournemouth may be out, but their spirited performance shows why the FA Cup still matters for underdogs and giants alike.