Manchester City have secured a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after defeating Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
The defending champions came from behind twice in a difficult encounter before holding their nerve in the penalty shootout to keep their hopes of retaining the trophy alive.
Brighton started the match strongly, putting City under pressure with their attacking approach. Their efforts paid off in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouyé opened the scoring after a move involving Jack Hinshelwood and Georginio Rutter.
City gradually improved their performance and found an equaliser five minutes before half-time through Mateo Kovacic. The midfielder finished from Phil Foden’s pass to bring the hosts back into the game.
Brighton regained the lead just two minutes into the second half when Georginio Rutter scored to make it 2-1. The visitors continued to threaten on the counterattack, creating further chances to extend their advantage.
City responded by increasing their attacking pressure, with the introduction of Jeremy Doku adding pace and creativity to their play.
Their persistence paid off in the 72nd minute when Brazilian defender Vitor Reis restored parity. Rayan Cherki’s free-kick deflected off Reis and found its way into the net, bringing the score to 2-2.
Both sides continued to search for a winner. Brighton came close through Maxim De Cuyper, whose effort was ruled out, while Mads Wieffer struck the woodwork late in the match. However, neither team could find another goal before the final whistle.
The tie was therefore decided by a penalty shootout, where City converted four of their five attempts through Foden, Enzo Fernández, Doku and Cherki. Kovacic was the only City player to miss.
Brighton scored three of their penalties through Pascal Groß, Matt O’Riley and De Cuyper. However, Yasin Ayari missed his attempt before captain Lewis Dunk failed to convert the decisive kick, handing City a 4-3 victory.
The result sends Manchester City into the quarter-finals as they continue their defence of the Carabao Cup title, while Brighton exit the competition despite twice taking the lead.
The two sides will meet again at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday, October 31, when they face each other in the Premier League.
