Gerónimo Rulli delivered a masterclass between the posts as Manchester City secured a dramatic place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals. The Argentine goalkeeper produced crucial moments when his team needed him most, steering the Blues through an intense penalty shootout against Brighton at the Etihad Stadium.
Following a pulsating 2-2 draw over 90 minutes, the cup tie hung in the balance. When Mateo Kovačić failed to convert City’s third spot-kick, the visitors appeared to hold all the momentum. However, Gerónimo Rulli stepped up to turn the tie around, pulling off incredible back-to-back saves against Yasin Ayari and Seagulls captain Lewis Dunk to seal a dramatic 4-3 victory on penalties.
Enzo Maresca Delighted with Gerónimo Rulli After Etihad Thriller
Speaking after the high-stakes triumph, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca was full of appreciation for his mid-week match-winner. Making just his second start for the club, Gerónimo Rulli showcased calmness, sharp positioning, and decisive shot-stopping throughout a challenging contest against an aggressive Brighton setup.
Maresca highlighted how well the keeper adapted to the tactical demands of the game:
“Apart from the penalties, overall he was good. It was not easy because they go man-to-man, aggressive. First half we went long to Floyd and second half on the floor. He made one good save too. He was good.”
The Italian manager also praised the shot-stopper’s professional attitude and clear understanding of his position within the squad depth chart, confirming that Gianluigi Donnarumma will return to starting duties for Saturday’s Premier League fixture against the same opposition.
“He’s working well but he knows exactly his role. Absolutely no doubt. Saturday is Gigio plus 10.”
How Gerónimo Rulli and City Overcame Brighton’s Challenge
The fourth-round tie delivered dynamic action from the opening whistle. City were forced to show resilience after falling behind twice during regulation time. Demonstrating strong team spirit and tactical flexibility, the Blues fought back on both occasions to restore parity at 2-2 before the final whistle prompted a penalty shootout.
The tactical battle required quick adaptations from the backline. In the opening 45 minutes, City opted for direct distribution toward Floyd to bypass Brighton’s high press. During the second half, Maresca’s side adjusted their build-up play to focus on short, ground-level passing, allowing Gerónimo Rulli to demonstrate his comfort with the ball at his feet alongside his goal-line duties.
Unrehearsed Success from the Penalty Spot
Surprisingly, City reached the quarter-finals without having spent specific training time preparing for spot-kicks. Maresca revealed following the match that the squad had not dedicated sessions to penalty practice since his arrival at the club.
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of shootouts and Kovačić’s missed effort, Maresca noted:
“Since I am here, we’ve never practised it. They are all good, but it always happens that the one that scored during the game missed the penalty.”
Despite the minor setback, the manager expressed immense satisfaction with the overall squad performance, the tactical preparation, and the contributions of players brought into the starting lineup through rotation.
“I was happy with the way we planned the game, the rotation and very happy with the ones playing inside the pitch.”
Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Bound
The dramatic victory keeps Manchester City on track in domestic cup competition. The reward for their hard-fought win over Brighton is a home fixture at the Etihad Stadium against Bradford City in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
With momentum building and peripheral squad members proving their worth under pressure, the Blues will turn their attention straight back to league action, buoyed by the impressive performance of their cup hero.