Man City beat Brighton 4-3 on penalties in Carabao Cup

Manchester City advanced to the fifth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, beating Brighton 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw at the Etihad Stadium, with goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli saving the decisive spot-kicks.

Malick Yalcouye put Brighton ahead in the first half before Mateo Kovačić levelled with a 22-yard strike. Georginio Rutter restored the visitors' lead shortly after half-time, but Vitor Reis equalised with just under 20 minutes remaining, flicking in Rayan Cherki's free-kick for his first City goal.

Rulli was the hero in the shootout, diving to deny Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk after Jason Steele had stopped Kovačić's fourth kick for Brighton.

City had fielded a young side that included four Academy players, with Kovačić six years older than any of his outfield team-mates. The Croatian's composure helped steady the team after Brighton, who had knocked out Manchester United in the previous round, threatened to take control.

A record Etihad Stadium domestic cup crowd of 55,345 roared City forward in the second half as Enzo Maresca's side twice came from behind. Brighton's Mats Wieffer hit the woodwork late in normal time, and Enzo Fernández was millimetres away from turning in Foden's 94th-minute cross before the game went to penalties.

City are top of the Premier League with 21 points from eight games. The fifth-round draw is scheduled for later on Tuesday evening.