City recover twice before Rulli decides the shootout
Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli saved Brighton’s final two penalties in a 4–3 shootout victory at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, October 28. The match had finished 2–2 after City twice equalised.
Malick Yalcouyé put Brighton ahead in the first half, with Mateo Kovačić levelling before the interval. Georginio Rutter restored the visitors’ advantage shortly after the restart, leaving City needing another response to avoid elimination.
Vitor Reis supplied it in the 72nd minute, turning in Rayan Cherki’s free-kick for his first City goal. Neither side found a winner before the shootout, despite late chances at both ends.
Brighton gained an advantage when Jason Steele saved Kovačić’s penalty. Rulli then stopped Yasin Ayari, Cherki converted City’s fifth attempt, and Rulli saved again from Lewis Dunk to complete the home side’s progress.
The quarter-final draw subsequently gave City a home meeting with Bradford City. That tie will take place in the week beginning December 14, with its precise date and kickoff to be confirmed. Liverpool were drawn at home to Bournemouth in another last-eight fixture.
City’s next match brings an immediate rematch with Brighton at the Etihad on Saturday, October 31, this time in the Premier League. The cup result keeps their knockout campaign alive after a match in which Brighton held the lead twice and briefly had the advantage again in the shootout.