Manchester City revive Champions League hopes with crucial win at Everton

Late goals from O'Reilly and Kovacic seal vital win as Manchester City climb to fourth in Premier League.

James Tarkowski of Everton challenges Omar Marmoush of Manchester City during the Premier League match at Goodison Park on April 19, 2025, in Liverpool, England. Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

Manchester City’s Champions League hopes took a major step forward on Saturday evening as late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic earned a vital 2-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park. In a match where Pep Guardiola’s side lacked their usual fluidity, two moments of quality in the final ten minutes turned a frustrating performance into a significant boost in their top-four pursuit.

The win lifted Manchester City into fourth place in the Premier League standings, giving them a four-point cushion over sixth-placed Chelsea with just five matches left to play. With the race for European qualification heating up, this result could prove pivotal in determining whether City maintain their long-standing run of Champions League participation.

O'Reilly and Kovacic deliver late magic

City struggled for much of the match to break down a resolute Everton defence. But in the 84th minute, O’Reilly, who has impressed since stepping into a left-back role, arrived at the far post to meet Matheus Nunes' low cross and tucked home from close range. It was the 20-year-old’s second league goal of the campaign and a timely contribution when City needed inspiration.

Just minutes later, substitute Mateo Kovacic made sure of the win. Latching onto Ilkay Gundogan’s lay-off on the edge of the box, the Croatian midfielder unleashed a crisp low drive past Jordan Pickford to make it 2-0. The quickfire double broke Everton’s resistance and ensured Guardiola’s men left Merseyside with all three points.

Guardiola: "Massively important"

Speaking after the match, City boss Pep Guardiola emphasized the significance of the result. "I would say a big, big win," said the Spaniard. "With six games left, playing here in the moment they had—Liverpool and Arsenal could not win here—so massively important. Now it is in our hands."

Guardiola also reflected on how difficult this season has been for his squad. "Given the challenges we’ve faced, I’m happy that we are still in contention. At some points in the season, we could have been in the bottom half. But we stayed together, and now we have a real chance to qualify for the Champions League."

The result means Manchester City are now well-positioned to qualify for the Champions League for a 15th consecutive season—a streak that began under Roberto Mancini and has become a hallmark of their modern dominance.

Everton miss opportunity to seal safety

For Everton, the defeat prolongs their wait to mathematically secure Premier League safety. David Moyes, in his second spell as Toffees manager, had steered the club away from danger in recent months with just two losses in 14 matches prior to Saturday. But this result leaves them still looking over their shoulder, despite remaining in a relatively comfortable position with four matches remaining.

"It was disappointing to concede so late," Moyes admitted. "For 60-odd minutes we played well and gave them a good game. Tarky coming off had a big change in the game. It shouldn't have, but it did."

The injury to centre-back James Tarkowski, who limped off with what appeared to be a muscle problem, proved costly. Without their defensive leader, Everton’s shape deteriorated and Manchester City capitalized in the final stretch.

Missed chances define Everton’s evening

Despite spending much of the game without the ball, Everton created some of the best opportunities. In the first half, James Tarkowski rose highest to meet a corner only to see his header crash against the post. After the break, Jarrad Branthwaite had a free header saved by Stefan Ortega when he should have scored.

Savinho also forced a save from Pickford with a low shot, while Omar Marmoush had a golden chance to equalize but failed to beat the England No. 1 in a one-on-one situation.

Those missed chances haunted Everton by the final whistle, as City’s superior quality eventually told.

City’s title defence turns to top-four survival

It’s been an unusually turbulent campaign for Guardiola’s side. Having dominated the league for four consecutive seasons, Manchester City now find themselves fighting simply to remain in the Champions League places.

Saturday’s win was far from their best display. Kevin De Bruyne, so often the engine of City's success, looked subdued and failed to make a major impact, aside from a first-half shot that was blocked by Jake O’Brien. Yet, the determination and late push from the squad showed that City remain a dangerous force, even in transition.

With three of their remaining five matches at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola will be confident that his team can hold onto fourth or even climb higher depending on rivals’ results. Their remaining fixtures include games against teams fighting for survival or mid-table sides with little left to play for—circumstances which could work in City’s favour.

What’s next?

Manchester City return to action next weekend with a home clash that will be seen as another must-win in their quest to secure Champions League football. As it stands, a top-five finish may be enough due to England’s UEFA coefficient, but Guardiola made it clear that his team is aiming higher.

"We want to control our fate," he said. "That means winning what’s in front of us and not worrying about what others do."

Everton, meanwhile, will be hoping Tarkowski’s injury is not season-ending. With just a few points separating them from the relegation zone, every match is now a high-stakes battle. Moyes’ men will look to bounce back quickly and seal their Premier League status for another year.

Saturday’s win might not be remembered for its flair, but it could be one of the most pivotal moments of Manchester City’s season. In a campaign marked by inconsistency and injuries, the late goals from Nico O’Reilly and Mateo Kovacic were more than just goals—they were lifelines. With Champions League qualification now within reach, City must stay focused and finish strong.