Manchester City survived a major scare against Brighton as goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli produced two crucial penalty saves to send the defending champions into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals following a thrilling 2-2 draw.
The stand-in goalkeeper emerged as City’s match-winner after denying Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk in the shootout, helping his side overcome a spirited Brighton performance and secure a last-eight meeting with League One outfit Bradford City.
Brighton made an impressive start and took a deserved lead in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouye found the net from close range. Georginio Rutter delivered a dangerous cross into the box, allowing the midfielder to finish and silence the home supporters.
City struggled to find their rhythm but restored parity five minutes before the interval through Mateo Kovacic. The Croatian midfielder unleashed a powerful long-range effort that flew beyond Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele and into the bottom corner.
However, Brighton wasted little time in regaining their advantage after the break.
Just seconds into the second half, Rutter produced an excellent first-time finish from Jaouen Hadjam’s intelligent cutback to put Fabian Hurzeler’s side back in front.
The visitors continued to threaten and came close to extending their lead. Rulli was forced into a brilliant fingertip save to prevent Rutter from scoring again, while the French forward later found the side-netting after rounding the goalkeeper.
Those missed opportunities proved costly as City gradually increased the pressure in search of another equaliser.
Rayan Cherki came close when his deflected attempt drifted narrowly wide, but the attacking midfielder eventually played a decisive role in City’s second goal.
His low free-kick was redirected into the net by Vitor Reis, who stretched out his foot to beat Steele and bring the hosts level once again.
Brighton refused to settle for a draw and nearly grabbed a late winner when substitute Mats Wieffer struck the post during the closing stages of the second half.
With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the contest was settled by a penalty shootout.
Rulli then stepped into the spotlight, saving Brighton’s final two attempts from Ayari and Dunk to complete City’s dramatic escape.
Despite being pushed throughout the encounter, the defending champions kept their hopes of retaining the Carabao Cup alive.
City will now turn their attention to a quarter-final clash against Bradford City, while Brighton exit the competition after coming agonisingly close to causing an upset.
Image credits: Jan Kruger / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
