Gerónimo Rulli did not just save Manchester City once—he rescued them twice.

The Argentine goalkeeper first produced a crucial save during normal time to keep City alive against Brighton. He then became the hero of the penalty shootout, saving two penalties to send Enzo Maresca’s side into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

Manchester City drew 2–2 with Brighton at the Etihad before winning the shootout 4–3. Rayan Cherki scored the decisive penalty, but Rulli’s consecutive saves from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk ultimately made the difference.

Rulli Saves City Before the Shootout

With regular goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma rested, Rulli was handed the chance to start against Brighton.

The 34-year-old Argentine quickly showed why he remains such a valuable option for City.

In the second half, Georginio Rutter produced a superb effort that looked destined for the top corner. Rulli reacted brilliantly and tipped the ball over the bar, keeping City in the contest.

Brighton eventually drew 2–2 with City, sending the match to penalties.

That was where Rulli truly became the star.

City scored four of their five penalties, while Brighton goalkeeper Jason Steele saved Mateo Kovacic’s attempt. But Rulli responded by denying Yasin Ayari and then Brighton captain Lewis Dunk.

Rayan Cherki converted the decisive penalty for City, leaving Dunk with no choice but to score. Rulli dived to his left and produced another superb save to secure a 4–3 shootout victory for Manchester City.

Has Rulli Put Pressure on Donnarumma?

Donnarumma’s recent form has been questioned, particularly after City’s Premier League defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.

The Italian goalkeeper made a mistake that contributed to Villa’s second goal, and Maresca admitted afterwards that Donnarumma had made some errors.

Naturally, Rulli’s outstanding performance against Brighton raised questions about whether he could challenge Donnarumma for the starting role.

Maresca, however, was clear: no.

The City boss said Rulli knows his role and confirmed that Donnarumma will return in goal when City face Brighton again in the Premier League on Saturday.

“Saturday is Gigio plus 10,” Maresca said.

Maresca was nevertheless impressed with Rulli’s overall performance, particularly his work with the ball against a Brighton side that played aggressively and pressed man-to-man.

A Goalkeeper Known for Saving Penalties

Rulli returned to Manchester City from Marseille in August, primarily as Donnarumma’s backup.

But his reputation as a penalty-saving specialist was another reason for bringing him back.

One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the 2021 Europa League final. Playing for Villarreal against Manchester United, Rulli saved David de Gea’s penalty in the shootout to help Villarreal win the trophy.

Against Brighton, he produced another penalty-shootout masterclass.

City Did Not Even Practise Penalties

There was an intriguing detail behind City’s shootout success.

Maresca revealed that since taking charge at Manchester City, his team had never specifically practised penalty shootouts.

“Honestly, since I came here, we’ve never practised it,” Maresca said.

Yet when the decisive moment arrived, City had the perfect specialist between the posts.

Rulli’s two saves in the shootout, combined with his crucial stop during normal time, proved decisive.

The Argentine goalkeeper saved Manchester City twice—and sent them into the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

City will face Bradford City in the last eight.