Brighton secured a highly competitive 2-1 win over Chelsea in an enthusiastic FA Cup encounter in the Amex Stadium.
Kaoru Mitomen winner in the second half ensured that Fabian Hurzeler’s team went into the next round while Chelsea missed Rue.
The visitors had the perfect start in the fifth minute. Jadon Sancho, lively in the early exchange, delivered a ball through the area where Cole Palmer found, which hit a first salva.
While it seemed intended as a cross, Brighton goalkeeper Bart banged it completely wrongly and accidentally helped the ball into his own network.
Despite the setback, Brighton replied. Her equalization met in the 12th minute after an excellent passage from left.
Tariq Lampty and Joel Veltman combined, with the latter whipped in a perfect cross for Georginio Rutter, who led to Robert Sanchez, professionally between two Chelsea defenders and his header.
Since the game was 1-1, both teams had dominance spells, but tried to convert promising attacks into clear opportunities.
FT: What a victory in the FA Cup! 🙌
(2-1) 📲 #Bhacher // #Bhaff 🔵⚪️ pic.twitter.com/aohbj3Wehl
– Brighton & Hove Albion (@officialbhafc) February 8, 2025
Chelsea’s Enzo Maresca was without important attack options, and it was shown when the blues lacked potency in the last third.
Sancho and Pedro Neto were owned, but not able to open Brighton’s well -organized defense.
The second half lasted in a similar way and Brighton gradually asserted itself. Chelsea’s lack of tailoring was highlighted in the 73rd minute when Palmer was missing a volley in the box and sent the ball harmlessly wide.
Moments later, Brighton introduced Joao Pedro, who immediately influenced and won a penalty, who, despite the obvious contact from Malo Gusto.
Then the crucial moment came in the 57th minute. Rutter was the focus of the movement again and turned intelligently in midfield before finding them on the left.
The Japanese wing player, always a threat, time was perfect for staying further, and finished the ball finely over the upright Sanchez to put Brighton in the lead. The Amex broke out when the home team took control.
Chelsea pressed it late at a balance, and Noni Madueke looked dangerous after he came from the bank. In injury time he searched past defenders and delivered a teasing ball over the goal, only so that Jan Paul van Hecke made a last ditch release and prevented a certain tap-in. Chelsea’s night summarized that – much intent, but not an end product.
A final speculative effort by Diego Gomez sailed far before the referee blew the full -time pipe.
