Brighton produced a dramatic second-half comeback to defeat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 at the Falmer Stadium, keeping alive their slim hopes of European qualification for next season.
Despite falling behind early, the Seagulls fought back through impactful substitutions and a late winner from young Jack Hinshelwood.
First Half: Liverpool’s Fast Start
Liverpool began the game with intensity, taking the lead in the 9th minute as Harvey Elliott latched onto Conor Bradley’s smart assist to fire past Bart Verbruggen. The visitors looked in control, dominating possession and territory.
However, Brighton responded in the 32nd minute when Yasin Ayari capitalized on a precise through ball from Brajan Gruda to slot home the equaliser.
Just before the break, Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s lead with a looping cross-shot that deceived Verbruggen, handing the Reds a 2-1 advantage at halftime.
Second Half: Brighton’s Inspired Turnaround
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler’s substitutions proved to be game-changers. Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma, introduced shortly after halftime, made an immediate impact. In the 69th minute, he pounced on a rebound from Danny Welbeck’s shot to make it 2-2.
In the 85th minute, another substitute, Jack Hinshelwood, struck the winning goal just a minute after coming on. He converted a Matt O’Riley pass from close range. Although initially ruled offside, a lengthy VAR review confirmed the goal, sending the home crowd into raptures.
“Coming off the bench, I wanted to make an impact. The ball sat up perfectly, and I tapped it in. There was a nervous wait, but it was pure relief when it was allowed,” said Hinshelwood after the match.
Table Standings & European Prospects
With this win, Brighton climbed to 8th place in the Premier League with 58 points from 37 games — three ahead of Brentford, who have a game in hand. If they retain this position, Brighton could secure a spot in the UEFA Conference League, depending on domestic cup outcomes and UEFA allocations.
Final Thoughts
It was a gutsy performance by Brighton against a full-strength Liverpool side. The Seagulls showed character, tactical awareness, and youthful energy to snatch a vital win. With one match remaining, Fabian Hürzeler’s side will hope for favourable results elsewhere to clinch a place in European competition next season.
