Manchester City's backup goalkeeper Gerónimo Rulli saved two spot-kicks as the holders beat Brighton 4-3 on penalties to edge into the Carabao Cup quarterfinals.

The Argentinian denied Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk as City prevailed at the Etihad Stadium after twice coming from behind to draw 2-2 in a compelling tie between two much-changed sides.

Brighton had taken the lead through Malick Yalcouyé after 30 minutes but Mateo Kovacic -- who later missed a penalty in the shootout -- levelled for City before the break.

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The impressive Georginio Rutter put the visitors back in front and then hit the bar but City took the contest to penalties after Vitor Reis diverted in a Rayan Cherki free kick.

Enzo Maresca had made nine changes to the City side beaten at Aston Villa, with Erling Haaland, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Rúben Dias, Elliot Anderson and Josko Gvardiol not involved at all after being given brief holidays.

Brighton also made seven changes for the first of two visits to the Etihad in four days, and the early stages lacked intensity.