The only previous League Cup meeting came between the two sides came on 24 September 2008, 23 days after City's takeover by the Abu Dhabi Football Group.

On that night, Brighton – then a League One outfit – shocked a top-flight City side containing the likes of Kasper Schmeichel, Vincent Kompany and Daniel Sturridge on penalties to reach the next round.

It looked like being a repeat success on this occasion but Rulli spoiled Brighton's latest trip to the north – the Seagulls had dumped out Manchester United across the city in the previous round.

In the first half, Diego Gomez and Rutter had shots from range in quick succession, both of which went straight into the grasp of Rulli, before Yalcouye struck from close range.

Before that, Cherki had been the liveliest player, going on a weaving run before scuffing a shot straight at Steele, while a free-kick from the edge of the box failed to clear the wall.

And the Frenchman proved to be protagonist as the match wore by helping his side through.

It was his free-kick which Reis converted and then the former Lyon man stepped up to score City's fifth penalty in the shootout - allowing Rulli's superb stop from Dunk to be the match-winning moment.

City will now be confident of retaining their trophy after seeing last season's beaten finalists Arsenal stunned by Fleetwood on Tuesday.

Brighton will not have to wait long to try and gain revenge for this result, heading back to Etihad Stadium to face City in the Premier League on Saturday (kick-off 15:00 GMT).

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