Bristol City scored a 93rd-minute winner to send Manchester United packing at the quarter-final stage of the Carabao Cup – the first meeting between the two clubs in almost 40 years.
The Robins more than held their own in a goalless first 50 minutes before a clout of a finish from left wing-back Joe Bryan gave the Championship side a shock (though perfectly warranted) lead…
Just eight minutes later, Zlatan Ibrahimovic restored parity with his first goal on his first full start for United since returning from a knee ligament injury, spanking a low freekick across Luke Steele and inside the far post.
United slapped shot against the woodwork on two occasions before a thrilling finale unfolded at Ashton Gate, in which Korey Smith poached an unlikely win for City with a lovely spinning effort…
The goal sparked cacophonous scenes inside the ground, with City boss Lee Johnson, eyes full of tears, hugging a random ballboy in sheer exuberant delight…
The ball boy’s reaction after Bristol City score a last minute winner against Man Utd. This is what Football is all about. 👏🏼❤️ pic.twitter.com/kRbgdrv71B
— The Away Fans Videos (@TheAwayFansVids) December 20, 2017
Johnson’s post-match glass of wine is certainly going to be worth every penny of the £450 he spent on it.
Smith’s winner also gave City’s social media department the chance to roll out one of their now-infamous goal celebration gifs, this one coming with a special Christmassy twist…
GOAL: #BristolCity 2-1 Manchester United, Smith 90. #BRCvMUN pic.twitter.com/tVNEwCOaiE
— Bristol City FC (@bcfctweets) December 20, 2017
We were also treated a real, old-fashioned pitch invasion as fans flooded onto the pitch to celebrate a night that will live long in the memory…
Old school pitch invasion at Ashton Gate.. pic.twitter.com/Bm8zpa2QH6
— Mark Ogden (@MarkOgden_) December 20, 2017
So, Bristol City are into their first League Cup semi-final (where they will face Man City) since 1989 while Mourinho’s United team – which featured Ibrahimovic, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashord, Paul Pogba, Romelu Lukaku and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – are left to lick their rather embarrassing wounds.
Incredible stuff! You know, we’ve always loved the Carabao Cup.