LIVE BLOG: Manchester City vs Brighton | EFL Cup
LIVE BLOG: Manchester City vs Brighton | EFL Cup
Follow all the action from the fourth round of the EFL Cup! The Cityzens are looking to advance in the competition, while the Seagulls aim to pull off another upset after eliminating Manchester United.
📋 CONFIRMED LINEUPS!
🔵 Manchester City (Enzo Maresca): Gerónimo Rulli; Rico Lewis, Vitor Reis, Marc Guéhi, Nico O'Reilly; Mateo Kovačić, Ayyoub Bouaddi; Phil Foden, Rayan Cherki, Allan and Floyd Samba.
🐦 Brighton (Fabian Hürzeler): Jason Steele; Costinha, Olivier Boscagli, Michael Svoboda, Jaouen Hadjam; Jack Hinshelwood, Pascal Groß, Yasin Ayari; Diego Gómez, Malick Yalcouyé and Georginio Rutter.
🏟️ The Etihad Stadium is the venue for this knockout clash. Andy Madley is the referee.
KICK-OFF!
🔵 The Cityzens are looking to make home advantage 🏟️ and their status as reigning champions 🏆 count, while avoiding an upset against the Seagulls 🐦, who arrive full of confidence after eliminating their neighbors, Manchester United.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
1' | ⚽ THE BALL IS ROLLING AT THE ETIHAD!
🔵 Manchester City take the first possession of the match and begin building their attacks against a Brighton side looking to press and exploit the available space.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
2' | 🚩 BRIGHTON CAUGHT OFFSIDE!
🐦 Diego Gómez tries to play a through ball to Georginio Rutter, but the French forward is caught offside. City regain possession.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
4' | 🔵 CITY MOVE THE BALL AROUND
The hosts enjoy a prolonged spell of possession and look for openings to break through the Seagulls' defensive shape.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
6' | 🛡️ RICO LEWIS STOPS YALCOUYÉ!
🐦 Malick Yalcouyé attempts to beat his man, but the Manchester City full-back intervenes in time to halt his advance.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
8' | 🔵 CITY TRY TO DICTATE THE TEMPO
Iliman Ndiaye directs the hosts' attacks as Enzo Maresca's side work to win the ball back quickly and maintain the initiative.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
9' | ⚠️ RICO LEWIS MISPLACES A PASS
🔵 The full-back tries to find Allan, but his pass fails to reach the Brazilian. Brighton take the opportunity to play out from the back quickly.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
10' | ⚠️ CHERKI WINS A DANGEROUS FREE KICK!
🔵 Rayan Cherki cuts in from the left wing, beats his marker and wins a foul near the edge of the penalty area. City prepare for a set-piece opportunity.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
11' | 🎯 CHERKI'S FREE KICK HITS THE WALL!
🔵 The Frenchman takes the free kick, but his shot strikes the wall. The rebound falls back to him, and his second attempt sails over Jason Steele's goal.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
13' | 🔵 CHERKI TAKES CENTER STAGE
Manchester City look to create danger between the lines. Rayan Cherki is heavily involved around the box, while Ayyoub Bouaddi drops deeper to help build play from the back.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
14' | ⚔️ CITY ENJOY A LONG SPELL OF POSSESSION
The hosts move the ball from side to side as Brighton maintain their defensive shape and manage their pressing efforts.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
16' | 🐦 BRIGHTON CHASE THE BALL
Fabian Hürzeler's side attempt to regain the initiative, but Manchester City keep possession and look to advance into the opposition half.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
18' | 🐦 GROSS AND DIEGO GÓMEZ LOOK TO ATTACK!
Pascal Groß takes control of the midfield and combines with Diego Gómez down the right flank. Brighton begin to find space to move closer to Gerónimo Rulli's goal.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
19' | ⚠️ CITY FAIL TO CAPITALIZE ON A COUNTERATTACK
🔵 Phil Foden clears the ball, and Rayan Cherki shows his frustration after being unable to take advantage of the opportunity to launch a counterattack. Brighton maintain their pressure.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
20' | 🛡️ RICO LEWIS KEEPS YALCOUYÉ QUIET
The Manchester City defender does his job defensively, limiting the Brighton attacker's involvement down his flank.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
22' | 🔵 FODEN FINDS SPACE BETWEEN THE LINES
Phil Foden leaves his initial position to operate centrally, while Allan stays wide on the left. Cherki also looks to create danger in the final third.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
23' | ⚠️ RICO LEWIS GOES DOWN INSIDE THE BOX!
🔵 The Manchester City full-back goes down in Brighton's penalty area and appeals for a possible push by a defender. Referee Andy Madley decides there was no foul and allows play to continue.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
24' | 🧤 RULLI SAVES DIEGO GÓMEZ'S SHOT!
🐦 Diego Gómez tries his luck with a right-footed effort from outside the box, but the Argentine goalkeeper gathers the ball cleanly without giving up a rebound.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
25' | 🧤 RULLI DENIES BRIGHTON!
🐦 Georginio Rutter shoots left-footed from the corner of the penalty area, but Gerónimo Rulli makes the save to keep Manchester City level.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
27' | 😱 AYARI ATTEMPTS AN OVERHEAD KICK!
🐦 Yasin Ayari receives a through ball from Jaouen Hadjam and attempts an acrobatic finish. However, the ball goes out over the goal line.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
29' | 🎯 GROSS COMES CLOSE TO THE OPENER!
🐦 Pascal Groß tries a curling shot from the edge of the box. The ball narrowly misses Gerónimo Rulli's left post, and Manchester City escape.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-0 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
30' | ⚽ GOOOOAL FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Malick Yalcouyé puts the Seagulls ahead! The move begins with a through ball to Pascal Groß, who links up with Georginio Rutter. The Frenchman fires a low, driven cross into the box, and Yalcouyé arrives to turn the ball home as Marc Guéhi fails to react.
🔥 Brighton strike first at the Etihad Stadium and put the reigning champions under pressure.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
32' | 🟨 YELLOW CARD FOR AYYOUB BOUADDI!
⚠️ The Manchester City midfielder is booked after handling the ball during a challenge. The referee warns the player with a yellow card.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
33' | 🧤 RULLI GATHERS THE BALL!
🐦 Pascal Groß tries to create danger with a delivery from a wide free kick, but the Argentine goalkeeper claims the ball and prevents any trouble for Manchester City.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
34' | 🎯 AYARI TRIES A VOLLEY!
🐦 Yasin Ayari collects the ball near the edge of the box and connects with a volley that sails over the crossbar. Brighton look to extend their lead before halftime.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
35' | 🔵 CITY LOOK TO REGAIN CONTROL
Enzo Maresca's side try to impose themselves in physical duels, with Ayyoub Bouaddi standing out in midfield. Brighton remain organized and make it difficult for Rayan Cherki to create chances.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
37' | 🤕 COSTINHA IS IN PAIN AFTER A COLLISION!
🐦 Costinha goes down after being struck by Allan. The Brighton player calls for a booking for his opponent, but the referee does not show a card.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 0-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
39' | ⚽ GOOOOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!
🔵 Mateo Kovačić restores parity! The Croatian midfielder receives the ball after combining with Phil Foden and fires a well-placed shot from outside the box. The ball finds the net just inside Jason Steele's right post.
🔥 The Cityzens respond and level the match late in the first half.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
42' | ⚠️ CONTROVERSY BEFORE THE EQUALIZER!
The move leading to Manchester City's goal sparks controversy over a possible handball by Floyd Samba inside Brighton's penalty area. The referee allows play to continue, and Mateo Kovačić's goal stands.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
43' | 😱 GUÉHI FAILS TO HIT THE TARGET!
🔵 Ayyoub Bouaddi delivers an accurate cross to Marc Guéhi, who connects with a header but sends the ball well wide. Jason Steele prepares to restart play from goal.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
45' | ⏱️ THREE MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME!
⌚ The referee adds three minutes at the Etihad Stadium. The first half will continue until the 48th minute.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
45+2' | ⏱️ CITY LOOK TO REACH HALFTIME
🔵 Manchester City move the ball around but struggle to find a way through in attack. Both teams appear content to maintain the draw before heading into the dressing rooms.
⏱️ Score: 1st Half | Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
⏱️ HALF-TIME AT THE ETIHAD STADIUM!
🔵 Manchester City and Brighton & Hove Albion head into the break level at 1-1 after an intense first half in the EFL Cup. Malick Yalcouyé put the Seagulls ahead in the 30th minute before Mateo Kovačić scored the equalizer in the 39th.
⚠️ The equalizer came amid controversy over a possible handball by Floyd Samba in the buildup, but the goal was allowed to stand.
⏱️ Halftime score: Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
⏱️ THE SECOND HALF KICKS OFF!
🔵 The second half gets underway, with both teams looking for a winner to avoid a penalty shootout. Enzo Maresca makes two changes at halftime: Rayan Aït-Nouri and Ryan McAidoo come on for Ayyoub Bouaddi and Floyd Samba.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-1 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
46' | ⚽ GOOOOAL FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Georginio Rutter puts the Seagulls back in front! Jaouen Hadjam is involved in an excellent combination down the left and cuts the ball back for the French forward, who arrives in the box and finishes into the far corner past Gerónimo Rulli.
🔥 Brighton strike immediately after the restart and put Manchester City under pressure once again.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
49' | ⚔️ CITY LOOK TO RESPOND
🔵 The hosts try to respond through possession, but Brighton continue to attack and look to exploit the spaces left by their opponents' defense.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
51' | 🛡️ YALCOUYÉ STOPS CHERKI!
🔵 Rayan Cherki tries to cut inside from the left, but Malick Yalcouyé is alert and clears the ball before the Frenchman can create danger.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
53' | 🔵 AÏT-NOURI LOOKS TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR CITY
Manchester City need to regain control of midfield following Ayyoub Bouaddi's departure. Rayan Aït-Nouri looks to contribute to the buildup as the hosts search for an equalizer.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
57' | 🐦 BRIGHTON TAKE THE INITIATIVE
The Seagulls use the flanks to move closer to Manchester City's penalty area. Fabian Hürzeler's team find space and force the hosts to drop deeper.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
58' | 😱 RUTTER HITS THE CROSSBAR!
🐦 Georginio Rutter threatens again with a left-footed shot that crashes against the crossbar. The French forward comes close to extending Brighton's lead and makes City's task even more difficult.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
60' | 🐦 RUTTER MISSES THE CHANCE TO MAKE IT THREE!
The French attacker receives a through ball from Jaouen Hadjam, gets past Gerónimo Rulli and reaches the byline. However, his shot from a very tight angle hits the side netting.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
61' | 🔄 MANCHESTER CITY SUBSTITUTION!
🔵 Jérémy Doku comes on for Allan. Enzo Maresca turns to the Belgian winger's pace and dribbling ability in an attempt to change the course of the match.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
64' | 🔵 DOKU STARTS TO CAUSE PROBLEMS!
Jérémy Doku makes several runs down the wings and delivers dangerous balls into the six-yard box. Manchester City increase the pressure as they search for an equalizer.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
67' | 😱 RICO LEWIS SHOOTS OVER THE CROSSBAR!
🔵 Rico Lewis gets into the penalty area and strikes with his left foot, aiming for the top corner, but the ball sails over Jason Steele's goal.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
69' | 😱 CHERKI BEATS THREE DEFENDERS!
🔵 Rayan Cherki produces a spectacular individual move inside the box. The Frenchman gets past several defenders and shoots left-footed, but his effort hits the side netting.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
70' | 🔵 CITY PUSH FOR THE EQUALIZER!
The Cityzens know they are close to elimination and push their defensive line higher up the pitch. Enzo Maresca's side continue to attack down the flanks as Brighton try to withstand the pressure.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 1-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
71' | ⚽ GOOOOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!
🔵 Vitor Reis levels the match! Rayan Cherki takes a free kick from the edge of the box, sending a low shot toward the far post. The ball takes a deflection off Brazilian defender Vitor Reis and ends up in the back of Jason Steele's net.
🔥 Manchester City find an equalizer with a little help from fortune and are back in the tie.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
74' | 🔄 DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Yankuba Minteh and Maxim De Cuyper come on, replacing Jack Hinshelwood and Diego Gómez. Fabian Hürzeler looks to refresh his team and restore its attacking threat.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
75' | 🔄 MANCHESTER CITY SUBSTITUTION!
🔵 Abdukodir Khusanov comes on for Rico Lewis. Enzo Maresca reshuffles his defense as the hosts look to build on the momentum from their equalizer.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
76' | 🔵 CITY KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!
The hosts are enjoying their best spell of the second half after leveling the score. Brighton try to reorganize after coming close to extending their lead through several chances for Rutter.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
79' | 🔄 DOUBLE SUBSTITUTION FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Fabian Hürzeler makes two more changes: Matt O'Riley and Mats Wieffer come on for Georginio Rutter and Malick Yalcouyé.
Brighton refresh their midfield and attack for the closing stages of the match.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
82' | ⚔️ CITY SEARCH FOR A WINNER!
🔵 Rayan Cherki and Jérémy Doku try to break through the visitors' defense with repeated runs. Brighton sit deeper and look to preserve the draw and take the tie to penalties.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
84' | 🔄 BRIGHTON SUBSTITUTION!
🐦 Lewis Dunk comes on for Michael Svoboda. Fabian Hürzeler strengthens his defense to withstand the final minutes of the tie.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
86' | 🔵 DOKU HELPS CITY PLAY OUT FROM THE BACK
The Belgian combines pace and control to help Manchester City maintain possession. The hosts continue to search for one last chance to avoid a penalty shootout.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
87' | 🔄 MANCHESTER CITY SUBSTITUTION!
🔵 Enzo Fernández comes on for Nico O'Reilly. Enzo Maresca introduces another midfield option during the closing minutes.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
88' | ⚠️ DUNK TRIES TO CATCH CITY OUT!
🐦 Lewis Dunk attempts a shot that goes wide. The move is ruled out for offside, and Manchester City regain possession.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
90' | ⏱️ FOUR MINUTES OF STOPPAGE TIME!
⌚ The referee adds four minutes. Manchester City and Brighton have one last opportunity to avoid a penalty shootout.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
90+2' | ⚠️ LEWIS DUNK FOULS PHIL FODEN!
🔵 Manchester City push forward for one final attack, and Lewis Dunk commits a foul on Phil Foden. The hosts look to make the most of the set piece in the closing moments.
⏱️ Score: 2nd Half | Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
90+4' | ⏱️ FULL TIME! THE TIE GOES TO PENALTIES!
After the Cityzens fought back to level the match and denied the Seagulls a major cup upset, the tie will be decided from the penalty spot. A dramatic finish awaits at the Etihad Stadium.
⏱️ Full-time score: Manchester City 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion ⚽
⏱️ HERE'S HOW THE PENALTY SHOOTOUT UNFOLDED!
1st kick | ⚽ GOOOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!
🔵 Phil Foden takes the first penalty and scores to put the Cityzens ahead.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 1-0 Brighton ⚽
1st kick | ⚽ GOOOAL FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Pascal Groß responds from the spot and levels the shootout.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 1-1 Brighton ⚽
2nd kick | ⚽ GOOOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!
🔵 Enzo Fernández takes his penalty confidently and restores City's lead.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 2-1 Brighton ⚽
2nd kick | ⚽ GOOOAL FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Matt O'Riley converts his attempt to keep the shootout level.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 2-2 Brighton ⚽
3rd kick | ⚽ GOOOAL FOR MANCHESTER CITY!
🔵 Jérémy Doku takes his penalty confidently and puts City back in front.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 3-2 Brighton ⚽
3rd kick | ⚽ GOOOAL FOR BRIGHTON!
🐦 Maxim De Cuyper makes no mistake and levels the shootout once again.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 3-3 Brighton ⚽
4th kick | 🧤 STEELE SAVES KOVAČIĆ'S PENALTY!
🔵 Mateo Kovačić steps up, but Jason Steele reads the direction of the shot and makes the save. Brighton have an opportunity to take the lead.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 3-3 Brighton ⚽
4th kick | 🧤 RULLI SAVES AYARI'S PENALTY!
🐦 Yasin Ayari tries to score for the visitors, but Gerónimo Rulli becomes the hero with a crucial save. The shootout remains level.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 3-3 Brighton ⚽
5th kick | 🧤 RULLI COMES TO THE RESCUE AGAIN!
🐦 Lewis Dunk has the responsibility of scoring, but Gerónimo Rulli makes another save. The Argentine goalkeeper keeps Manchester City's hopes alive.
⏱️ Shootout: Manchester City 3-3 Brighton ⚽
5th kick | ⚽ GOOOOOAL FOR CHERKI! CITY ARE THROUGH!
🔵 Rayan Cherki steps up for the decisive penalty and scores to settle the shootout. Manchester City win 4-3 on penalties and eliminate Brighton from the EFL Cup.
⏱️ Final score: Manchester City 2-2 Brighton (Manchester City win 4-3 on penalties) ⚽
🏆 MANCHESTER CITY ADVANCE TO THE QUARTER-FINALS!
🔵 The Cityzens survive a difficult night at the Etihad Stadium. After coming from behind twice, Enzo Maresca's team prevail in the penalty shootout thanks to Gerónimo Rulli's saves and Rayan Cherki's decisive spot kick.
🐦 Brighton came close to producing another upset in the English cup competition, but their missed penalties prevented them from completing the surprise.
⏱️ Final score: Manchester City 2-2 Brighton (Manchester City win 4-3 on penalties) ⚽
