Brighton were left to accept a 0-0 stalemate against a resolute Tromsø side in the opening leg of their Conference League play-off. The Seagulls, embarking on their first competitive match of the new campaign, appeared to struggle at times against a Norwegian outfit that was midway through its domestic season.
The lack of goals meant that the advantage now lies with Brighton as they head back to the Amex Stadium for the return fixture next Thursday night, where a victory will be sufficient to secure a place in the competition's main draw. Before the match, manager Fabian Hürzeler had warned that midfielder Carlos Baleba would miss the trip due to a minor injury, although rumors continue to link the player with a move to Manchester United. Despite Baleba's absence, Brighton will need to regroup quickly because their first Premier League encounter of the 2026/27 season follows shortly after. The Seagulls are set to host Aston Villa at the Amex on Sunday, with a 2pm kick‑off televised live on Sky Sports.
The match itself offered several moments of drama. In the 29th minute, Tromsø goalkeeper Haugaard was called into action from distance when Brighton's Rutter unleashed a 25‑yard strike. The keeper managed to get down to his left, forcing the ball wide. Two minutes later, a corner swung back to Brighton, where Osman controlled the ball with his chest before volleying it towards goal.
Haugaard reacted swiftly, punching the ball out for another corner. The first half continued with chances on both sides; in stoppage time of the half, a corner delivered by Gross found Boscagli unmarked in the box, but his header sailed over the cross‑bar.
The second half saw Tromsø create the most clear‑cut opportunity. In the 49th minute, a pass from Edvardsson found Heine Larsen in a dangerous position. Although the offside flag was not raised, Brighton's goalkeeper Verbruggen sprinted off his line and produced a spectacular save to keep the scores level.
Five minutes later, Brighton's Ayari began to assert himself, dribbling past two defenders before his effort was palmed away. The visitors continued to press, and in the 75th minute Cozier‑Duberry delivered a superb cross that found Kostoulas in the centre of the penalty area. Kostoulas, having come on as a substitute, headed the ball over the bar from an excellent spot. Tromsø nearly took the lead in the 86th minute when Vadebu, after exploiting a defensive lapse by Vuskovic, found himself one‑on‑one with the keeper.
He slotted the ball cleanly but, in a moment of poor finishing, sent it wide of the post. After the final whistle, Hürzeler addressed the club media, saying: "We expected exactly how Tromsø 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.
We created opportunities, but in the end we have to be satisfied with a draw, although it's not the result we hoped for. I think we controlled the game, but we weren't quick enough in possession.
We still had a few opportunities, but overall Tromsø 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.
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 Tromsø. 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." The comments underline the tactical battle that unfolded: Tromsø's disciplined defensive shape frustrated Brighton's attempts to break through, while the Seagulls struggled to transition quickly enough from defense to attack.
The lack of a decisive edge in the first leg means that Thursday's reverse fixture will be a true test of Brighton's attacking resolve and defensive solidity. Fans will be hoping that the home crowd at the Amex can provide the extra impetus needed to tip the balance in their favour.
Looking ahead, Brighton's schedule remains packed. After the crucial play‑off second leg, the team will turn its attention to the Premier League opener against Aston Villa. That match, also broadcast live on Sky Sports, will serve as an early indicator of how well the Seagulls have integrated new signings and adapted to the tactical demands of manager Hürzeler. The 2pm kick‑off on Sunday promises a high‑stakes encounter, as both clubs aim to start the season positively.
For supporters eager to stay updated, the Sky Sports app offers live streams, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis. Additionally, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition, giving fans a chance to win up to £1 million by correctly predicting match outcomes. Engaging with the app not only provides real‑time coverage of Brighton's fixtures but also adds an extra layer of excitement for those who enjoy predictive games. In summary, Brighton's goalless draw in Norway was a pragmatic result that leaves the tie finely balanced.
While the Seagulls missed opportunities, they also demonstrated resilience against a well‑organized opponent. The upcoming home leg will be decisive, and the team must capitalize on the support of their fans, sharpen their transition play, and find a way to break down Tromsø's compact defense if they hope to progress to the Conference League group stage.