Rulli Heroics Guide Manchester City Past Brighton in League Cup Thriller

Goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli proved to be the savior as Manchester City overcame a resilient Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 on penalties following a dramatic 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday, securing City a spot in the League Cup quarter-finals.

Brighton struck first in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouyé fired the visitors ahead from a Jaouen Hadjam assist. City responded five minutes before the break as Mateo Kovačić unleashed a stunning 25-yard equalizer. The Seagulls restored their lead immediately after halftime, with Georginio Rutter capping off a swift attacking move to make it 2-1 in the 47th minute.

City fought back once more. In the 72nd minute, Brazilian defender Vitor Reis rose highest to head home a Rayan Cherki corner, marking his first goal for the club and ultimately forcing a penalty shootout.

After Kovačić missed his spot-kick, Brighton held the advantage. However, Rulli turned the tide by denying both Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk. Cherki then stepped up to coolly dispatch the winning penalty, sealing a 6-5 aggregate victory and ensuring City’s survival in a breathless cup encounter before the two sides meet again in the Premier League this weekend.