Brighton Edges Chelsea 2-1 in Tense FA Cup Fourth Round Clash

Brighton's Comeback Victory Over Chelsea

In a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round encounter at the Amex Stadium on February 8, 2025, Brighton & Hove Albion managed to secure a remarkable 2-1 victory against Chelsea. The match kicked off with unexpected drama as Chelsea took an early lead through an unfortunate own goal by Brighton goalkeeper Bart Verbruggen. Verbruggen fumbled a cross from Chelsea's Cole Palmer, leading to the ball finding the back of Brighton's net just five minutes into the game.

Yet, Brighton's response was swift and determined. Just seven minutes later, Georginio Rutter rose to the occasion, nodding in a precise header following a well-executed cross from Joël Veltman. This equalizer not only leveled the score but also boosted Brighton's morale and set the stage for an electrifying contest.

Kaoru Mitoma's Decisive Moment

The match reached its crescendo in the 57th minute when Kaoru Mitoma took center stage. Amid a cloud of controversy involving handball allegations, Mitoma showcased his skill by deftly flicking the ball over Chelsea's goalkeeper, Robert Sánchez, securing the lead for Brighton. This goal proved to be the winner, propelling Brighton into the next round of the FA Cup.

Chelsea's outing at Brighton revealed their ongoing struggles, as their winless away streak was extended. Under manager Enzo Maresca, the team faces increasing pressure to clinch silverware, with the UEFA Conference League now taking on greater importance.

On the other hand, this victory marked a significant turnaround for Brighton, especially after suffering a crushing 7-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Brighton's resilience was evident, underscored by Tariq Lamptey's remarks about the team's unity and fighting spirit.

The match was peppered with missed opportunities, especially for Chelsea. Cole Palmer, despite his assist leading to the own goal, missed a crucial chance to widen Chelsea's lead in the first half. Brighton, meanwhile, dominated the second half through tactical adaptability under the guidance of manager Fabian Hurzeler.

As both teams gear up for their Premier League rematch on February 14, the stakes have never been higher. Chelsea will look to address their defensive vulnerabilities, while Brighton aims to continue building momentum.