Brighton & Hove Albion delivered a breathtaking performance at the Amex Stadium to defeat Premier League champions Liverpool 3-2 in a thrilling five-goal showdown, ending a five-match winless run against the Reds and keeping their hopes of European qualification very much alive.
Despite Liverpool’s status as newly crowned champions, the Seagulls showed no signs of being intimidated. In fact, they twice came from behind, showing incredible spirit, resilience, and tactical discipline to claim one of their biggest wins of the season in front of a roaring home crowd.
Fast Start for the Champions
Liverpool set the tone from the first minute, with Cody Gakpo bending a shot just inches wide. The Reds didn’t have to wait long to strike, and by the ninth minute, they were ahead. Mohamed Salah played a clever touch to Dominik Szoboszlai, whose precise ball found Conor Bradley on the flank. The full-back surged into the box and cut it back perfectly for Harvey Elliott, who calmly slotted home to make it 1-0.
Brighton were nearly back in it moments later when Simon Adingra’s shot deflected off Bradley’s boot and landed on the roof of the net. Pervis Estupiñán then tried his luck but fired over the bar as the hosts started to grow into the game.
Ayari Answers Back
After several promising attacks, Brighton finally found their breakthrough on the half-hour mark. Brajan Gruda slipped a superb ball through to Yasin Ayari, who took a touch to control and then slotted the ball beyond Alisson Becker with ice-cold composure. The goal lifted the Amex crowd and signalled that this was no ordinary end-of-season fixture.
An incredible Albion move, finished by Yasin! Highlights in partnership with @MPBcom. pic.twitter.com/q4UdyslM5D
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 19, 2025
But Liverpool were not done. Just before the half-time whistle, Szoboszlai restored the visitors’ lead with a thunderous strike that flew over Bart Verbruggen and into the roof of the net, punishing Brighton for a lapse in midfield.
Second-Half Turnaround
Liverpool came out firing in the second half, with Alisson forced into action again to deny Danny Welbeck’s dangerous free-kick. The Brighton striker continued to be a threat, but a series of misfortunes — slipping while shooting, narrowly missing chances — kept him off the scoresheet.
The game took a turn in the final 25 minutes when Brighton’s substitutes changed everything. Kaoru Mitoma, introduced in the second half, made an instant impact. After a save from Alisson denied Welbeck yet again, the Japanese winger reacted quickest to the loose ball and buried the rebound to make it 2-2.
Instant impact off the bench from Kaoru! pic.twitter.com/u2TUnIJ9MG
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 20, 2025
Then came the winner.
In a perfectly scripted moment, young Jack Hinshelwood, who had just entered the pitch, met Matt O’Riley’s pinpoint cross with a confident finish to complete Brighton’s comeback and send the Amex into raptures. It was a moment that encapsulated Brighton’s exciting, youthful style under Fabian Hürzeler.
Jack’s late winner in front of the North Stand! Our @MonsterEnergy Moment of the Match! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/wRENkh4Xm7
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) May 20, 2025
Brighton Climb to Eighth
With the win, Brighton leapfrogged Brentford into eighth place in the Premier League standings, which could be enough to secure a spot in European competition depending on the outcome of the FA Cup final. It’s a remarkable position for a club that continues to punch above its weight, playing fearless, entertaining football along the way.
For Hürzeler, it’s proof that his rotation policy and faith in young players like Hinshelwood and Ayari is paying dividends. The tactical tweaks and timely substitutions were decisive, with all three of Brighton’s goals involving players who had come off the bench or were part of rotated positions.
8th place *could* still have a spot in Europe next season…
And the race is ON ➡️ https://t.co/H2kPfdNEcO pic.twitter.com/gkPezIWtoV
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 20, 2025
Liverpool Lose Away Again
While Brighton celebrated a famous win, Liverpool were left licking their wounds. This was their second consecutive away defeat in the Premier League — a rare occurrence for a club that had looked near-invincible during large stretches of the season.
Still, the Reds did make history in one aspect: they’ve now scored in every single away match in a top-flight campaign for the first time ever. But that will be of little consolation to Jurgen Klopp, who will be disappointed by how his side faded after such a strong start.
Mohamed Salah’s late miss — a sitter by his standards — summed up the frustration, while Liverpool’s midfield struggled to deal with Brighton’s energy and pace in the second half.
Match Summary
This match had everything: end-to-end action, young stars shining, and a dramatic late winner. Brighton’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool isn’t just a statement win; it’s a defining moment in their season. With just one matchday remaining, the Seagulls have given themselves a real shot at European qualification, and they’ve done it by taking down the league champions in style.
The Amex Stadium rocked, Brighton soared, and Liverpool — despite their crown — were reminded that the Premier League’s rising stars are no longer afraid of giants.
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