Manchester City survived an FA Cup scare against Leyton Orient as Kevin De Bruyne completed a late comeback at Brisbane Road to book their place in the fifth round.
The League One side threatened a mighty shock against the Premier League champions when Jamie Donley chipped Stefan Ortega from the halfway line, with the ball rebounding off the goalkeeper and into the net.
Pep Guardiola’s side were stunned but they levelled soon after half time when Rico Lewis’ effort deflected in off substitute Abdukodir Khusanov.
It was a fortunate equaliser but the winner from De Bruyne was class, as he took down a long ball and steered a finish past Orient’s Josh Keeley, who until then had kept the champions at bay.
Orient had a couple of late moments, but couldn’t conjure another moment of magic. City will now turn their attention to facing Real Madrid on Tuesday, knowing Orient gave them a proper test.
Follow all the FA Cup action with our live blog below:
FULL TIME! Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
It wasn’t even the goal of the game but Kevin De Bruyne made the impact Pep Guardiola needed as he came off the bench to win the cup tie.
The regret for Josh Keeley, who was super today and throughout the competition, is that he just hesitated a touch in coming off his line. De Bruyne did the rest.
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 14:25
FULL TIME! Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
The celebrations from Pep Guardiola at full-time shows that Man City knew they were in a proper FA Cup tie this afternoon.
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 14:19
FULL TIME! Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
A great FA Cup tie, but Man City survive! The quality off the bench proved the difference as Kevin De Bruyne scored wonderful winner on 79 minutes.
But Pep Guardiola’s side had a real scare and were rocking when Jamie Donley lobbed goalkeeper Stefan Ortega from just inside the halfway line.
Orient did themselves proud but City progress and now turn their attention to facing Real Madrid on Tuesday….
Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
90+2 mins: Another chance for Orient to swing it into the box… Man City are defending desperately but the manage to escape downfield through Marmoush.
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 14:11
Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
89 mins; A late free-kick for Orient… and here comes Keeley into the box…
But it drops to Happe at the back post, it’s a chance, but he can’t keep the volley down!
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 14:09
Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
87 mins: Speaking of, the ball drops to Pratley after a long-throw, but it’s blasted over the bar!
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 14:06
Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City
86 mins: So what have Leyton Orient got? It’s only a one-goal game so they are still very much alive. They will look to get it long and will just want one last chance…
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 14:05
GOAL! Leyton Orient 1-2 Man City (DE BRUYNE 79′)
It’s magic from De Bruyne! Man City take the lead in the tie and perhaps have avoided the FA Cup upset.
Pure class from the Belgium and how Man City needed it. A long ball over the top releases him and De Bruyne is able to find the delicate touch required to steer a finish past Keeley and into the net.
Man City have left it late but they have come from behind.
Jamie Braidwood8 February 2025 13:58
