Leicester City reached the semi-finals of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time in their history with a 2-0 win over Liverpool.
In the day’s other game, Manchester United defeated Brighton & Hove Albion 4-0 in a rematch of last year’s semi-final.
Jutta Rantala scored twice to fire Leicester into the last four in an accomplished win over Liverpool.
The Finnish forward opened the scoring in the 15th minute after Janice Cayman’s shot hit the post and Rantala lashed the rebound past Rachael Laws.
Liverpool were close to hitting straight back but were denied by a fine save by Line Kop before the goalkeeper almost went from hero to zero.
Kop gave away the ball to Marie Höbinger whose rushed chip hit the post and bounced away to safety much to the relief of the Foxes.
At the double ✌️
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 9, 2024
Jutta Rantala smashes in her second for @LCFC_Women 💥#AdobeWomensFACup pic.twitter.com/8kIKj9yCQr
Rantala doubled Leicester’s lead and her tally as she was found by Aileen Whelan out on the right before cutting in and curling a shot into the Liverpool net.
Matt Beard's side continued to look for a way back in but were unable to deny Leicester an historic appearance in the final four of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.
Later on Saturday, last year’s beaten finalists Manchester United strolled into the semi-finals with a fine strike from Lisa Naaslund the pick of their four goals.
Millie Turner silenced a bumper Brighton crowd with a header in the eighth minute as she rose highest to meet a Katie Zelem cross.
Nikita Parris soon extended the visitors’ lead as United linked up beautifully from defence to attack with Parris sliding the ball home.
The post looked to have come to Brighton’s rescue as they struggled to shut down another United attack, but Lucia Garcia was there to tap home the rebound from Melvine Malard’s effort and see Marc Skinner’s side go into the break three goals to the good.
Lisa Naalsund’s goal means @ManUtdWomen start the second half as they finished the first ⚽️pic.twitter.com/kNwqzOZ6Gb
— Adobe Women's FA Cup (@AdobeWFACup) March 9, 2024
Naaslund added flair to Manchester United’s performance as she worked herself into a strong position in the box before unleashing a curling effort to move the game out of sight of the Seagulls.
Holders Chelsea take on Everton tomorrow before Manchester City face Tottenham Hotspur with the draw for the semi-final taking place live on 5 Live Breakfast at 8:20am on Tuesday 12 March.
