Brighton Stun Liverpool with Comeback Victory to Keep European Hopes Alive
Premier League champions Liverpool twice surrendered the lead as Brighton mounted a spirited comeback to claim a crucial win that keeps their slim hopes of European qualification alive.
Substitute Jack Hinshelwood was the hero for the Seagulls, nodding in Matt O'Riley's cross in the 85th minute to seal the win. The goal, initially ruled offside, was awarded after a VAR review confirmed Hinshelwood had timed his run perfectly.
Liverpool had led 1-0 and 2-1 in the first half, but Brighton fought back impressively to climb to eighth in the table, three points clear of Brentford.
In a lively contest at the Amex Stadium, Harvey Elliott opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a strong run and assist from Conor Bradley. Brighton responded quickly, with Yasin Ayari levelling the match with a precise low finish.
Dominik Szoboszlai put Liverpool back in front in bizarre fashion—what appeared to be an attempted cross from the right looped over goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen and dropped into the net, giving the visitors a 2-1 advantage at the break.
Brighton came out strong in the second half. Alisson made a brilliant fingertip save to deny Danny Welbeck, but he was powerless to stop Kaoru Mitoma’s well-struck equaliser, which made it 2-2.
Then came Hinshelwood's late winner, sparking celebrations among the home fans and giving Brighton a shot at European football next season.
The Seagulls travel to Tottenham on the final day of the season. To qualify for the UEFA Conference League from eighth place, Chelsea must defeat Real Betis in the 2025 final on Wednesday, 28 May, and then finish seventh in the Premier League—or sixth, provided Newcastle end up in seventh.
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