Brief

Manchester City win League Cup shoot‑out against Brighton after 2‑2 draw

City progressed to the quarter‑finals after reserve keeper Geronimo Rulli saved two spot‑kicks.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 29 Oct 2026 10:02:27 GMT

Manchester City advanced to the English League Cup quarter‑finals after a 2‑2 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion was settled by a 4‑3 penalty shoot‑out at the Etihad Stadium on 28 October 2026, according to Al Jazeera and Gulf News.

What happened

The match ended level at 2‑2, with Brighton taking the lead after 30 minutes through Malick Yalcouye. City equalised later in the first half and again in the second half, forcing extra time. In the shoot‑out, City fell behind when Mateo Kovacic saw his penalty saved, but Geronimo Rulli, the reserve goalkeeper, denied Brighton’s Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk, securing a 4‑3 win for City.

What the reports add

Al Jazeera noted that City’s manager Enzo Maresca had made nine changes to the starting XI after a loss to Aston Villa, resting stars such as Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma. Gulf News added that City had not practiced penalties at all this season, a policy Maresca confirmed since his appointment following Pep Guardiola’s departure. Both outlets reported that Phil Foden, Enzo Fernandez, Jeremy Doku and Rayan Cherki successfully converted their spot‑kicks, while Brighton’s Yalcouye scored during regular time.

What was said

"To be honest, since I've been here we never practised penalties," Maresca told Gulf News. Al Jazeera quoted the same manager as saying the victory kept City on course to retain the League Cup title.

How it came about

City entered the fourth round after a 100 percent start to the Premier League was halted by a loss at Aston Villa, prompting Maresca to rotate his squad. The club’s financial challenges, highlighted in previous Felo coverage, have added pressure ahead of upcoming league fixtures. The win sets up a quarter‑final clash with third‑tier Bradford City.

Key facts

Manchester City beat Brighton 4‑3 on penalties after a 2‑2 draw. (aljazeera.com)
Geronimo Rulli saved Brighton's Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk in the shoot‑out. (aljazeera.com)
City did not practice penalties this season, according to manager Enzo Maresca. (gulfnews.com)

Timeline

2026-10-09 — Manchester City found guilty of 114 of 115 financial breaches.
2026-10-16 — Manchester United face Leeds amid crisis as City’s financial cloud looms.
2026-10-28 — Manchester City vs Brighton League Cup fourth round.