Key Takeaways:
- Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating Brighton 4-2 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium
- Geronimo Rulli, deputising in goal, saved penalties from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to win the shootout for City
- City will face League One side Bradford City in the last eight, while Brighton return to the Etihad this Saturday for a Premier League clash
Match Analysis
Manchester City progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, edging out Brighton in dramatic fashion via a penalty shootout after a 2-2 stalemate in regulation time. Stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli emerged as the hero, denying both Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk from the spot to seal a shootout victory and set up a clash with Bradford City in the next round.
Brighton silenced the Etihad home faithful 30 minutes into the contest when Malick Yalcouye converted Georginio Rutter’s low cross from close range, capping an impressive move for Fabian Hurzeler’s side. Just five minutes before the half-time interval, City levelled proceedings when Mateo Kovacic rifled in an effort from distance that beat Jason Steele and nestled into the bottom corner, giving the Croatian international his first goal of the campaign.
Victory on penalties! 🤩🩵
🤝 @okx https://t.co/zfAd6GCKrk
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 28, 2026
Straight after the break, Brighton responded immediately: Rutter turned goalscorer, latching on to Jaouen Hadjam’s cut-back to finish first-time and restore the visitors’ advantage. The Seagulls threatened to extend their lead further, but Rulli produced a superb fingertip save to prevent Rutter from doubling his tally, while the Brighton forward also found the side-netting after rounding Rulli but failing to convert.
City’s Equaliser and Path to Penalties
Rayan Cherki came closest for City before the second equaliser, his shot taking a deflection and narrowly missing the target. With City mounting pressure, Cherki fired a low free-kick across the box, and Vitor Reis steered it home with an outstretched boot to bring City level at 2-2.
Brighton substitute Mats Wieffer nearly clinched it late in the second half, striking the post, but neither side could find a winner in open play. The result was decided on penalties, where Rulli produced the decisive saves to send City through.
Next Fixtures
With Arsenal eliminated by Fleetwood on Tuesday, City will view their prospects for retaining the trophy favourably. Brighton, meanwhile, will seek swift revenge as they make a return trip to the Etihad Stadium for a Premier League fixture on Saturday.
