Man City survives Brighton scare to reach League Cup quarterfinals

Manchester City advanced to the quarterfinals of the English League Cup on Wednesday after defeating Brighton in a penalty shootout. The match at the Etihad Stadium ended in a 2-2 draw after regular time and extra time.

City trailed for most of the second half before Rayan Cherki provided the equalizing goal in the 72nd minute. Backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli then saved the final two penalties from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to secure a 4-3 victory for the home side.

Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouye finished a chance created by Georginio Rutter. Mateo Kovacic restored parity for City 20 minutes later with a long-range strike that curled into the far corner from 25 yards out.

Brighton regained the lead shortly after halftime. Rutter scored again after Jaouen Hadjam played a cut-back pass. Vitor Reis deflected a free kick from Cherki into the net to force the tie to penalties.

Manager Enzo Maresca made nine changes to the starting lineup following City's loss to Aston Villa on Saturday. That defeat ended the team's perfect start to the Premier League season. Erling Haaland, Ruben Dias, Elliot Anderson, and Gianluigi Donnarumma were among the players rested for the cup match.

City will face third-tier side Bradford City in the next round. The draw also pairs Fleetwood Town with either Everton or Newcastle, and Crystal Palace with Sunderland. Liverpool will host Bournemouth in the final quarterfinal match.