Manchester City advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Brighton at the Etihad. Trailing twice during the match, City fought back to draw 2-2, with Mateo Kovacic and Rayan Cherki scoring the equalizers. In the shootout, City won 4-3, with Cherki converting the decisive penalty and Geronimo Rulli saving two Brighton attempts. Brighton, who played well throughout, were left disappointed after being eliminated from a competition manager Fabian Hurzeler had targeted for success. City will face Bradford City in the quarter-finals.
The match saw Brighton take an early lead through Malick Yalcouye, whose goal survived a close offside call. City equalized via Kovacic's precise strike but fell behind again just after halftime when Georginio Rutter finished a quick counter-attack. Cherki's deflected free-kick later leveled the score, sending the game to penalties. City avoided an early exit like Arsenal, who were knocked out by Fleetwood Town. The two sides will meet again in the Premier League this Saturday.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing