Manchester City have survived a major scare against Brighton to secure their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after winning 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
The defending champions had to come from behind twice before goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli became the hero, saving two penalties to send City through.
Brighton started the game brightly and deservedly took the lead in the 30th minute through Malick Yalcouyé, who reacted quickest to turn the ball past Rulli.
However, City responded ten minutes later when Mateo Kovačić produced a brilliant low strike from outside the penalty area to restore parity.
The hosts struggled to take control of the contest, and Brighton punished them again shortly after the restart.
Georginio Rutter finished Jaouen Hadjam’s delivery in the 47th minute to put the visitors back in front and leave City with another mountain to climb.
City needed a response, but Brighton continued to threaten and came close to extending their advantage.
The introduction of Jérémy Doku gave the hosts more attacking urgency, and they eventually found their equaliser in the 72nd minute.
Rayan Cherki’s free-kick took a deflection off Vitor Reis before finding the back of the net, giving City another lifeline.
Both teams pushed for a winner, but neither could find the breakthrough before the referee sent the contest to penalties.
Rulli Becomes City’s Hero
Kovačić missed City’s fourth penalty after Jason Steele made an important save, giving Brighton the advantage.
However, Rulli responded by saving Yasin Ayari’s effort before denying Lewis Dunk to turn the shootout in City’s favour.
It was far from a convincing performance from the defending champions, but City have done enough to keep their Carabao Cup defence alive.
Brighton, meanwhile, will feel they had enough opportunities to win the tie after twice taking the lead.
