FOOTBALL – Manchester City downed Brighton & Hove Albion 4-3 on penalties to barge into the last-eight round of the English League Cup yesterday.
The match finished 2-2 after 90 minutes, with Brighton twice taking the lead through Malick Yalcouye and Georginio Rutter, only for City to respond through Mateo Kovacic and a late equaliser.
In the shootout, stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli emerged as the hero, saving two penalties – including the decisive kick from Lewis Dunk – to send the holders through 4-3.
Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Sunderland also marched into the next round after beating their respective rivals.
They played out a thrilling 2-2 draw over 90 minutes in their intense encounter, sending the tie directly into a dramatic penalty shootout.
The match began with high energy as both managers rotated their squads, offering valuable minutes to rising talents and seasoned depth players.
It was Brighton who broke the deadlock in the 30th minute.
Yalcouye found the back of the net with a composed finish, rewards for the Seagulls’ brave, high-pressing approach.
City responded with typical resilience. Just five minutes before the interval, Kovacic’s clinical struck in the 40th minute to level the scores.
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