Tashkent, Uzbekistan — Young Manchester City defender Abdukodir Khusanov, alongside teammate Max Elleyne, made significant contributions to the team’s defense during the first leg of the Carabao Cup semifinal against Newcastle at St. James’ Park. The match concluded with a 2-0 victory for City, thanks to second-half goals from Antoine Semenyo and Ryan Cherki. This win not only provided City with a solid advantage ahead of the return leg but also marked an impressive 13-match unbeaten streak for the team.
In their recent match, Elleyne and Khusanov demonstrated effective coordination, showcasing their newly formed central defensive partnership which debuted successfully against Brighton just a week prior. Their performance was pivotal in ensuring that City became the first team this season to not concede to Newcastle at home in all competitions during the 2025/26 season.
Following the match, Elleyne expressed his satisfaction in playing beside Khusanov, noting how quickly they have built a strong understanding on the pitch. Manchester City’s manager, Pep Guardiola, also acknowledged the contributions of both defenders, highlighting their roles in the team’s overall success. He stated, “Khusanov and Nathan Aké play alongside Elleyne — true defenders who help him a lot. With the ball and with Nico O’Reilly, they played really well.”
Guardiola’s comments reflected the importance of Khusanov’s contributions, emphasizing the stability he adds to the defense. The outcome of the first leg appears to provide City with a solid platform as they approach the return match, instilling a sense of hope and determination within the squad as they aim to progress further in the tournament.