Manchester City survived a significant scare against Brighton & Hove Albion on 29 October to advance into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals via a 4-3 penalty shootout win at the Etihad Stadium. City, the holders, twice came from behind during regulation time before backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli proved the decisive figure, saving two spot-kicks to see his side through.

Key Developments

The match swung repeatedly before a penalty was struck. Malick Yalcouye put the Seagulls ahead in the 30th minute, only for Mateo Kovacic to draw City level late in the first half. Georginio Rutter restored Brighton's lead in the 47th minute, but Vitor Reis — pouncing on a Rayan Cherki free-kick — found a crucial equaliser in the 72nd minute, sending the tie to a shootout.

Penalties Settled It

In the shootout, Phil Foden, Enzo Fernández, Jeremy Doku, and Cherki all converted for City. Kovacic was the lone miss for the hosts, but Rulli compensated handsomely, saving efforts from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to seal City's passage. City manager Enzo Maresca made light of the preparation — or lack of it. 'To be honest, since I've been here we never practised penalties,' Maresca said after the match. His side will now face Bradford City in the quarterfinals.

Maresca on Doku and the Rotation Call

Substitute Jeremy Doku's introduction from the bench visibly shifted momentum. Maresca was measured in his praise, saying: 'I'm not sure he changed the game, but for sure he made an impact. This is the reason why they are there — when they start from the beginning, to try to do their best, and if they go on from the bench, to try to make an impact.' The manager also singled out Rulli, noting he was 'good, especially in the build-up' beyond his shootout heroics.

Key Absences Underlined Depth

City were without several first-choice names — Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Elliot Anderson, and Josko Gvardiol were all rested. Maresca defended the rotation firmly: 'I was happy with the way we planned the game, with the rotation, and especially I was very, very, very happy with the ones that were playing.' The result underlines City's squad depth even as their rotation carries inherent risk in cup competition.

What Is Next for City

City's Carabao Cup quarterfinal opponent, Bradford City, will provide a stiffer test of their rotational policy. With domestic and European commitments stacking up, how Maresca manages his squad through the winter stretch will be closely watched. A side that rallied twice without several starters — and won a shootout without practising penalties — will carry confidence into the next round.