Manchester City fans have applauded Vitor Reis after the defender scored the equaliser in a 2-2 Carabao Cup draw with Brighton, which City won 4-3 on penalties at the Etihad Stadium.

Reis was credited with the 72nd-minute goal after Rayan Cherki’s free-kick took a deflection off him. The Brazilian started at centre-back as Enzo Maresca made nine changes to his side, and his display drew praise from supporters after the final whistle.

Man City fans rave about Victor Reis

Several supporters reacted to his performance and called for Reis to receive more first-team opportunities. Comments shared on X included one fan who questioned why the young defender remains behind other centre-backs in the pecking order.

“I think Vitor Reis is better than some very big names that are currently ahead of him in the CB pecking order but we will leave that for another day”

Another supporter praised his defensive display, writing:

“Victor Reis stepped UP tonight. Absolute brick wall at the back, won every header, and showed more heart than half the squad combined. What a performance!”

Others suggested that Reis could form a strong partnership with Marc Guéhi, with one fan posting:

“Guehi- Victor Reis is the best CB balance in terms of profiles that Man City can produce”

The reactions among City supporters about Reis and their belief that he deserves a bigger role remain fan opinions. He's been waiting in the wings for more opportunities as Enzo Maresca prefers Ruben Dias partnering Guehi at the back.

Reis’ Numbers Against Brighton

Reis had the most touches (85) and the most defensive contributions (14) in the match. He completed 58 passes at 92% accuracy, played eight passes into the final third and landed two accurate long balls.

Defensively, he made 10 clearances, five of them headed, along with four recoveries, two tackles, one block and one interception. He won three ground duels.

In attack, he had five touches in the opposition box, created one chance, and had one shot on target, which became City’s equaliser. He was also fouled once.

Reis Looks To Build On His Girona Loan

City signed Reis from Palmeiras in January 2025 for a reported £29.6 million, giving him a contract running until 2029. He made four first-team appearances before spending the 2025–26 season on loan at Girona. He went on to make 36 La Liga appearances, according to Opta Analyst.

The loan gave Reis regular first-team football in Spain before his return to Manchester. His performance against Brighton has now given supporters another reason to call for more opportunities, although it remains to be seen whether he can establish himself ahead of City’s senior centre-backs.

City face Brighton again at the Etihad on Saturday, 31 October, this time in the Premier League. Whether Reis keeps his place will be one of the questions heading into that match.