Rulli’s heroics power manchester city Into League Cup

Manchester City booked their place in the League Cup quarter-finals after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 on penalties following an entertaining 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.

Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli proved decisive in the shootout, saving penalties from Yasin Ayari and Brighton captain Lewis Dunk to keep City’s title defence alive.

Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute through Malick Yalcouye, but Mateo Kovacic levelled the score with a stunning long-range strike before half-time.

The visitors regained their advantage shortly after the break when Georginio Rutter converted Jaouen Hadjam’s cut-back. However, City fought back again, with Vitor Reis scoring in the 72nd minute following a dangerous free-kick from Rayan Cherki.

Neither side managed to find a winner in regulation time, sending the contest to penalties. Phil Foden, Enzo Fernandez, Jeremy Doku and Cherki converted their attempts, while Kovacic was denied by Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele.

City manager Enzo Maresca admitted that his team had not practised penalty shootouts since his appointment but praised his players for holding their nerve under pressure.

The defending champions will now face third-tier Bradford City at home in the quarter-finals. City and Brighton will meet again at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday in the Premier League.