Brighton were left to settle for a 0‑0 stalemate against a resilient Tromso side in the opening leg of their UEFA Conference League play‑off tie. The Seagulls entered the match as the first competitive outing of their season, yet they appeared to struggle at times against a Norwegian outfit that was midway through its own domestic campaign. The result means Brighton must now turn their attention to the return fixture at the Amex Stadium next Thursday, where a victory would be sufficient to see them progress to the group stage of the competition. Before kickoff, manager Fabian Hurzeler had warned that midfielder Carlos Baleba would miss the trip due to a minor injury, a note that has taken on added significance as rumors link the player with a potential move to Manchester United.
In the interim, Brighton are gearing up for their first Premier League encounter of the 2026/27 season, a home clash against Aston Villa that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at 2 pm on Sunday. The match itself provided a series of dramatic moments despite the lack of goals. In the 29th minute, Tromso’s goalkeeper, Haugaard, produced a spectacular save from distance after a powerful strike from Rutter that curled in from 25 yards; the keeper dived to his left and managed to push the ball wide. Just a minute later, a corner saw Osman chest the ball down before unleashing a volley, only for Haugaard to react again and clear the danger, forcing another corner for the visitors.
The first half continued with chances on both sides. In added time of the first half (45+2), a well‑taken corner from Gross found Boscagli unmarked in the centre of the box, but his header sailed over the bar.
The half ended without any breakthrough, leaving both coaches to contemplate adjustments for the second period. The second half saw Tromso threaten more frequently.
In the 49th minute, Edvardsson delivered a ball that found Heine Larsen, who beat the offside trap but was denied by a quick rush from Brighton’s goalkeeper Verbruggen, who made a crucial save to keep the score level. Five minutes later, Brighton’s Ayari, who has been growing in influence this season, found space inside the box, evaded two challenges, and then saw his effort palmed away by the Tromso keeper. Midway through the second half, a superb cross from Cozier‑Duberry reached Kostoulas in the middle of the penalty area. The substitute headed the ball over the bar from an excellent position, highlighting the attacking intent of the visitors.
Near the hour‑and‑15‑minute mark, Tromso’s Vadebu found space after a defensive lapse from Vuskovic, cut inside, and unleashed a shot that drifted wide, missing a golden opportunity to put his side ahead. After the final whistle, Hurzeler addressed the club media, acknowledging that Brighton had anticipated Tromso’s defensive approach.
"We expected exactly how Tromso played. They defended well, very compact.
They had a lot of players in their box who blocked the shots well, and they had a really good goalkeeper and were good in transition," he said. He added that while the Seagulls created chances, they had to be content with a draw, even though it was not the result they had hoped for.
"I think we controlled the game, but we weren't quick enough in possession. We still had a few opportunities, but I think overall Tromso defended well. They had two big chances after transition moments where we have to defend better. Overall a tough opponent, which is what we expected," the manager continued.
Looking ahead, Hurzeler emphasized the importance of the upcoming home leg. "Now we are looking forward to the opportunity to win the game in front of our own fans.
There are certain aspects we have to improve against Tromso. Overall, like I said, they are a good football team so we will have to play on our highest level to win the game at the Amex," he concluded. Brighton’s supporters will be hoping that the team can translate the lessons from this goalless draw into a decisive performance at home.
The Seagulls will need to sharpen their transition play, increase the speed of their passing, and find a way to break down Tromso’s disciplined defensive block. If they can do so, a narrow win should be enough to see them through to the main draw of the Conference League, where they will hope to make a deeper run. Beyond the European fixture, the club’s focus quickly shifts to the domestic arena.
The opening Premier League match against Aston Villa promises to be a showcase for the new signings and a test of the squad’s readiness after the pre‑season. Fans can tune in to Sky Sports on Sunday at 2 pm to watch Brighton take on Villa in what could set the tone for the rest of the campaign.
For those interested in more football action, Sky Sports also offers a range of interactive features, including the Super 6 competition, where participants can enter for free for a chance to win up to £1 million. The app provides live updates, highlights, and exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content for both the Conference League tie and the upcoming Premier League fixtures.
In summary, Brighton’s first leg against Tromso ended without a goal, but the match delivered plenty of excitement and highlighted areas for improvement. The Seagulls now have a clear target: secure a win at the Amex Stadium to progress in Europe, while simultaneously preparing for a challenging Premier League season that begins with a high‑profile clash against Aston Villa.