Man City 2-2 Brighton ended in a penalty shootout at the Etihad on Wednesday night, with City winning 4-3 to book a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Bradford City. Brighton led twice through Malick Yalcouye and Georginio Rutter, but Mateo Kovacic and a deflected Rayan Cherki free kick pulled City level, before stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saved two spot kicks.
Cherki then scored the decisive penalty to keep Enzo Maresca’s side in the competition, while Fabian Hurzeler’s Brighton were left to rue a missed chance to knock out one of the favourites.
Man City 2-2 Brighton: Key Facts
- Competition: Carabao Cup, fourth round
- Venue: Etihad Stadium, Manchester
- Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
- Score: Man City 2-2 Brighton (City won 4-3 on penalties)
- Brighton goals: Malick Yalcouye, Georginio Rutter
- City goals: Mateo Kovacic, plus a Rayan Cherki free kick that deflected in off Vitor Reis
- Referee: Andy Madley
- Next for City: Bradford City at home in the quarter-final
Brighton Strike First
Brighton came to Manchester with a clear plan and were the sharper side for much of the first half. Pascal Gross fired a low shot just past the far post before the visitors went ahead on the half-hour. Yalcouye was the man on the end of it, although City felt there was a suspicion of offside in the build-up.
City hit back ten minutes later. Kovacic picked up the ball on the edge of the area and struck a fine shot past Jason Steele to make it 1-1. It was a reminder of the quality the Croatian midfielder still offers when Maresca rotates his squad.
Rutter restores the lead
Brighton started the second half the way they began the first. Just two minutes after the restart, Jaouen Hadjam laid the ball off for Rutter, who finished calmly to put the Seagulls back in front. For a while it looked as though Hurzeler’s side would hold on and claim a big scalp.
City, though, found a way back with under 20 minutes to play. Cherki whipped in a free kick that took a deflection off Vitor Reis and beat Steele, leaving the score at 2-2. Neither side could find a winner after that, and the tie went straight to penalties.
The Shootout: Rulli Steps Up
The shootout started badly for City when Kovacic, their first-half scorer, missed the opening kick. That put Brighton in control, but Rulli had other ideas. The Argentine goalkeeper, standing in for the first choice, saved from Yasin Ayari and then from captain Lewis Dunk to swing the momentum back to the hosts.
With City scoring four of their five and Brighton managing only three, it fell to Cherki to finish the job. The French playmaker held his nerve to send City through and cap an important night for him, having already been involved in the equaliser.
What It Means
For City, the result keeps them on course in a competition where they now face Bradford City at home, on paper the kindest draw of the quarter-finals. It also eases some of the pressure after the weekend league defeat at Aston Villa. We covered that game in our Aston Villa 2-1 Man City report.
For Brighton, there will be frustration at losing a tie they led twice, but plenty of encouragement in the performance. Yalcouye and Hadjam both impressed, and Rutter’s finish was a reminder of his quality in front of goal. Our Man City vs Brighton prediction pointed to a close game, and that is exactly what we got.
Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Draw
The quarter-finals will be played in the week starting 14 December 2026:
- Fleetwood Town vs Everton or Newcastle United
- Manchester City vs Bradford City
- Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
- Liverpool vs Bournemouth
See the EFL website for official dates, and check our predictions for the latest tips.
FAQ
What was the score in Man City vs Brighton?
The match ended Man City 2-2 Brighton after 90 minutes, and City won the shootout 4-3 at the Etihad Stadium.
Who scored for Brighton against Man City?
Malick Yalcouye and Georginio Rutter scored for Brighton, with Rutter’s goal coming just after half-time.
Who saved the penalties for Man City?
Stand-in goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli saved penalties from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk, and Rayan Cherki scored the winning kick.
Who do Man City play in the Carabao Cup quarter-final?
Man City host Bradford City in the quarter-finals in the week starting 14 December 2026.
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