At a glance
- Brighton & Hove Albion lost 1-0 to Leeds United at Elland Road
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored a 96th-minute winner
- The defeat leaves Fabian Hurzeler’s side under pressure in the race for Europe
Dominic Calvert-Lewin netted a 96th minute winner to dampen Brighton & Hove Albion’s European hopes. Fabian Hurzeler’s side dominated possession with 66% and enjoyed 19 shots but an error from Jan Paul van Hecke and Bart Verbruggen allowed Calvert-Lewin to snatch the victory.
Van Hecke played a weak back pass to Verbruggen, who opted to come out for the ball. The Belgian was beaten for pace by Calvert-Lewin who easily guided the ball into an empty net.
It was the host’s first shot on target and the Englishman’s 14th goal of the season in the Premier League.
Gross and Brighton missed chances
Pascal Gross stood out for the visitors, creating plenty and almost breaking the deadlock in the first half. The German tested Karl Darlow twice from long range, but the Welshman equalled his efforts on both occasions.
The latter was the better strike from Gross, whose shot swerved and wrong-footed Darlow. Fortunately for the Leeds goalkeeper, he adjusted quickly to make a save and Ferdi Kadioglu was unable to convert the rebound.
Late on in the second half, Gross whipped in a free kick towards Charalampos Kostoulas, but the Greek’s header was straight at Darlow.
Leeds had a good opportunity to go ahead moments before the interval. Leeds came forward with Dominic Calvert-Lewin. His pass inside was cut out by Joel Veltman, who smashed the ball away, but his clearance deflected off Lewis Dunk’s chest and headed towards the top corner.
Bart Verbruggen reacted well to turn the ball over the crossbar for a corner, sparing his teammates’ blushes.
READ MORE: Brighton’s most iconic matches as Wembley final eyes place in club history – Read Brighton
European hopes take major hit
Danny Welbeck failed to mark his 200th appearance for the club with a goal and was hooked just after the hour mark.
Diego Gomez made his return to the side for the first time since the 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur. The Paraguay international almost made an immediate impact but blazed his shot into the stands.
Brighton end their 2025/26 campaign next week at the Amex Stadium as they host Manchester United. As Brentford secured a point against Crystal Palace and Chelsea are yet to play, it’s a hugely damaging defeat for the Seagulls.
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