Liverpool entered the FA Cup final with a 3-2 win over Manchester City at the sunny Wembley Stadium on Saturday.
The deadlock was broken within the first 10 minutes when Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate topped a powerful header from a corner to slam it home.
And the afternoon went from bad to worse for City when goalkeeper Zack Stephens wanted too much time on the ball, allowing Sadio Mane to slide and the US international to double the lead.
And at the stroke of halftime, Liverpool's lead was three as Mane overtook a frustrated Stefan at the close post.
All seemed lost for City, Jack Grealish popped up after the break with a goal minute to give his side hope, and Bernardo Silva tapped from close range in the 90th minute to ensure a nervous ending. May be
But that wasn't enough as Liverpool advanced to the final where they will face either Chelsea or Crystal Palace who will face off on Sunday.
Mane later told the BBC that the day was "special".
"We were playing one of the best teams in the world. Winning a game like this, especially in the semi-finals, is a big, big, big win," he said.
"We were very happy to win and qualify for the final. We started very well, everyone started on the front foot - for my first goal, the goalkeeper made a mistake, but I think we gave him that mistake." Pushed for it. That's our style and I think it made a difference."
Best Fight
Red and blue, resplendent in the London sun.
Two of the world's best teams are battling for a place in the finals of football's oldest competition - a week after their last match.
For neutrals, there couldn't be a more perfect setting: a packed stadium, beautiful weather, and a few football stars on show.
And, like in their thrilling 2-2 draw last Sunday, the game started at a red-hot pace.
The two swung the ball around with zips and verves, the first goal coming through a more agricultural route.
Liverpool defender Konate continued his rich vein of goal-scoring form as he powered off a header from his side's opening corner of the game - his third goal in as many games.
The goal sent Liverpool fans wild, and as City resumed play, the air was thick with the smell of flares, the sunlight turning red as Liverpool fans bounced in celebration.
Eight minutes later, Wembley's red end was jumping with joy.
As City tried to play outside the defense as they usually do so well, Stefan - the City Cup goalkeeper - wanted a very long run on the ball, allowing Mane to go inside and tackle the ball home.
That moment was similar to his struggle in the Premier League last week, when regular starter Ederson was also limping on the ball, but was able to steer the ball past the fast-moving attacker.
Surprised by two goals, Manchester City were finally able to gain a foothold in the encounter, as the defending Premier League champions pushed to get back into the game.
But that pressure left the space that Mane was able to extend Liverpool's lead at the stroke of halftime.
A somewhat complicated game between Liverpool's attackers prized an early Azar for the Senegalese star to slam the ball home, leaving Stefan no chance.
Liverpool were massive and probably didn't want the halftime whistle to come.
And with manager Pep Guardiola's ears ringing, City got off to a much better start in the second half.
England international Jack Grealish ended his spot in the top corner after opening up a shooting opportunity after some clean play from Gabriel Jesus.
The goal brought City players and fans to life after a poor 45-minute start, their attack looking more dangerous.
Jesus could pull City to within just one goal as his well-timed run got him through on goal, only to be deftly denied by his Brazil teammate Alisson.
Although Man City pushed through, it was actually Liverpool who had the better chances, with Mohamed Salah unable to convert any of his attempts.
Just when all hopes were dashed, an excellent touch and run from Riyad Mahrez left Silva with the easiest finish and four minutes of extra time to leave City behind by just one goal.
Raheem Sterling had a chance to score against his old club and become the hero with one of the game's final touches, but he could only shoot straight at Alisson.
And despite some chaotic scenes at the City box, Liverpool were able to stop and advance to the final and ensure that a historic quadruple - the Premier League title, the Champions League, the FA Cup and the League Cup - is still possible.
So far, Liverpool have already won the League Cup title, are second in the Premier League - one point behind City - in the Champions League semi-finals and are now in the FA Cup final.
When asked about whether the quadruple is an aspiration of theirs, Mané said it was a "dream."
"We have a lot of games to go and we will try to do our best -- it's our dream, for sure, and we will fight for it."