On the Brink of an Upset: Leyton Orient Fails to Hold Off Manchester City

In the FA Cup Round of 32, Leyton Orient, a third-tier English club, nearly pulled off a stunning upset against reigning Premier League champions and last year’s finalists, Manchester City.

The hosts took the lead in the first half when Jamie Donley unleashed a long-range effort that hit the crossbar and deflected off Stefan Ortega’s back into the net. However, Pep Guardiola made tactical adjustments at halftime, introducing two defenders, one of whom, Abdukodir Husanov, scored his debut goal in the 56th minute. The Uzbek defender’s shot deflected off a teammate and found its way past the goalkeeper.

The winner came from Kevin De Bruyne, who showcased his brilliance by outmuscling two defenders and slotting the ball into the bottom corner after a pass from Jack Grealish.

The 2-1 victory keeps Manchester City’s hopes alive for another FA Cup triumph, while Leyton Orient can hold their heads high after a valiant effort.

2024-25, England - FA Cup

Leyton Orient - Manchester City 1:2 (1:0)
Goals: Ortega S., 16 (own goal) (1:0); Khusanov, 56 (1:1); De Bruyne, 79 (1:2)

Leyton Orient: Keeley J.; James T.; Simpson; Perkins; Currie; Happe; Brown J-n; Galbraith; Donley; Jaiyesimi; Kelman
Bench: Cooper B.; Ball D.; Pratley; Markanday

Manchester City: Ortega S.; Dias R. (Stones, 46); Vitor Reis (Khusanov, 46); Lewis R.; Grealish; Gundogan; Mcatee (Foden, 72); Nico González (Bernardo Silva, 22); Sávio Moreira; O'Reilly (De Bruyne, 72); Marmoush
Bench: Carson; Akanji; Matheus Nunes; Mubama
Yellow Cards: Mcatee 43