Rulli the Hero as Manchester City Knock Out Brighton on Penalties

Stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saves two spot-kicks as holders Manchester City survive a scare against Brighton to reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Manchester City booked their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion in a dramatic penalty shootout following a thrilling 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli emerged as City’s match-winner, producing two crucial saves during the shootout to keep the holders’ title defence alive.

His late heroics denied Brighton another famous League Cup victory over City and secured a quarter-final clash against League One side Bradford City.

Brighton Strike First

The visitors stunned the home crowd in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouye finished from close range after being picked out by Georginio Rutter.

Brighton looked confident and composed, creating problems for City’s defence throughout the opening half.

However, City responded five minutes before the break when Mateo Kovacic unleashed a powerful long-range strike that beat goalkeeper Jason Steele and found the bottom corner.

The goal ensured the teams went into half-time level at 1-1.

Seagulls Restore Their Advantage

Brighton regained the lead almost immediately after the restart.

A clever cutback from Jaouen Hadjam found Rutter, who produced a clinical first-time finish to make it 2-1.

The visitors then came close to extending their advantage further, but Rulli produced an outstanding fingertip save to deny Rutter a second goal.

The Brighton forward later found the side-netting after rounding the City goalkeeper, missing another golden opportunity.

City Fight Back

Pep Guardiola’s side continued to push for an equaliser.

Rayan Cherki repeatedly threatened Brighton’s defence and eventually played a key role in City’s second goal.

His low free-kick was expertly redirected into the net by Vitor Reis, restoring parity and forcing the contest into a tense finale.

Brighton nearly snatched victory when substitute Mats Wieffer struck the post late in the match, but neither side could find a winner before the final whistle.

Penalty Shootout Heartbreak for Brighton

With the scores locked at 2-2, the tie was decided from the penalty spot.

After both teams converted their early attempts, Rulli stepped up with two decisive saves, denying Yasin Ayari and captain Lewis Dunk.

Cherki converted City’s fifth penalty before Rulli’s save from Dunk sealed a hard-fought victory for the holders.

City Keep Trophy Defence Alive

The result continues Manchester City’s pursuit of another Carabao Cup crown and keeps them on course to retain the trophy.

With Arsenal already eliminated from the competition, City’s path to the final has arguably become more favourable.

Brighton, meanwhile, can take encouragement from a strong performance that pushed the defending champions all the way.

The two sides will not have long to wait for a rematch, with Brighton returning to the Etihad Stadium this weekend for a Premier League encounter.

For City, however, the night belonged to Rulli, whose penalty shootout heroics proved the difference between progression and elimination.