Manchester:Manchester City emerged victorious in a dramatic League Cup fourth-round shoot-out against Brighton and Hove Albion, despite not practicing penalties this season. The holders secured a 4-3 win in the shoot-out after a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, City's goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli was instrumental in the win, saving two penalties. Enzo Maresca, who took over as manager in the close season, decided against penalty practice since replacing Pep Guardiola. Rulli's saves against Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk propelled City into the quarter-finals, where they will face Bradford City.
The match saw Mateo Kovacic miss a penalty, but teammates Phil Foden, Enzo Fernandez, Jeremy Doku, and Rayan Cherki successfully converted their shots. Kovacic had earlier equalized Malick Yalcouye's opening goal. After Georginio Rutter restored Brighton's lead, Vitor Reis's goal from a Cherki free-kick sent the game to penalties.
Maresca expressed satisfaction with his decision to rest key players such as Erling Haaland and Gianluigi Donnarumma, focusing on the performance of those who played. He praised Rulli's overall performance, highlighting his role in the build-up and a crucial save during the match.