Geronimo Rulli Secures Carabao Cup Progression for Manchester City

Match Performance

Manchester City advanced to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup following a penalty shootout victory against Brighton. Backup goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli played a pivotal role in the win, saving spot-kicks from Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk to secure the result for the holders.

Managerial Perspective

Despite the heroics, Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca confirmed that Rulli’s performance has not altered the established hierarchy within the squad. Maresca reiterated his support for first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.

• Enzo Maresca’s stance: "He is working well but Rulli knows exactly his role, there is no doubt about that. Saturday it will be Gigio plus 10."
• Context: Rulli, 34, joined the club from Marseille this summer for a reported fee of £1.7m to provide depth behind the Italy captain.

A History of Shootout Success

This is not the first time Rulli has decided a high-stakes match from the penalty spot. In the 2021 Europa League final, while playing for Villarreal against Manchester United, Rulli scored his own penalty and saved a decisive spot-kick from David de Gea to win the trophy.

Background

Rulli originally spent the 2016-17 season at Manchester City without making a competitive first-team appearance. He returned to the club this year as a replacement for James Trafford, who departed for Leeds. Fans can verify official match reports and squad lists through the club’s official website or the competition's governing body to confirm the progression to the quarter-finals.