Brighton were left to accept a 0-0 stalemate against a resolute Tromso side in the opening leg of their Conference League play-off. The Seagulls, embarking on their first competitive match of the campaign, appeared to struggle at times against a Norwegian team that was already well into its domestic season. The result means that Brighton must now turn their attention to the return fixture at the Amex Stadium next Thursday night, where a victory will be sufficient to see them progress to the group stage of the competition.
Prior to kickoff, manager Fabian Hurzeler confirmed that midfielder Carlos Baleba would miss the trip due to a minor injury, although rumors persist that the player is on the verge of a move to Manchester United. In the meantime, Brighton are also preparing for their inaugural Premier League encounter of the 2026/27 season, a home game against Aston Villa that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports at 2 p.m.
on Sunday. The match itself offered several moments of drama. In the 29th minute, Tromso’s goalkeeper Haugaard was called into action after a long-range effort from Rutter that struck from 25 yards. The keeper managed to push the ball wide with his left hand, preserving the clean sheet for his side.
Just a minute later, a corner was delivered to Osman, who controlled the ball with his chest before unleashing a powerful volley. Haugaard again demonstrated his reflexes, parrying the shot and forcing another corner. The first half continued with chances for both teams. In added time of the first half, a well‑taken corner from Gross found defender Boscagli unmarked in the box, but his header sailed over the crossbar.
The second half saw Tromso threaten more frequently. In the 49th minute, a pass from Edvardsson found Heine Larsen, whose shot was blocked, prompting Brighton’s goalkeeper Verbruggen to rush off his line and make a crucial save.
Five minutes later, Brighton’s Ayari, who has been gaining influence in the squad, took a shot that he palmed wide after beating two defenders. Mid‑way through the second half, a brilliant cross from Cozier‑Duberry reached Kostoulas, who headed the ball over from an excellent position. Near the 86th minute, Tromso’s Vadebu found space after a defensive lapse from Vuskovic and cut inside, only to miss his opportunity by shooting wide.
After the final whistle, Hurzeler addressed the club media, saying, "We anticipated exactly how Tromso would set themselves up. They were compact, defended in numbers and had a very competent goalkeeper.
Their transition play was quick, and they blocked many of our shots effectively." He continued, "We created a few chances, but ultimately we have to be content with a draw, even though it is not the result we were aiming for. I believe we controlled large portions of the game, yet we were not quick enough when in possession. We had several opportunities, but Tromso defended well and produced two significant chances on the break that we need to improve on defensively. They are a tough opponent, exactly as we expected." Hurzeler added, "Now we look forward to the chance to win the return leg in front of our supporters.
There are specific areas we must tighten up against Tromso. Overall, they are a good footballing side, so we will need to perform at our highest level to secure victory at the Amex." The draw sets up an intriguing second leg, with Brighton needing to translate the control they displayed into goals.
The Seagulls will likely rely on their creative midfielders to unlock Tromso’s disciplined defence, while also ensuring they are not caught out on the counter‑attack. The atmosphere at the Amex, bolstered by a passionate home crowd, could provide the extra spark required to break the deadlock. Beyond the immediate fixture, Brighton’s schedule will quickly shift to domestic concerns. Their Premier League opener against Aston Villa will be a test of their readiness after the European encounter.
The match is slated for a 2 p.m. kick‑off on Sunday and will be streamed live on Sky Sports, offering fans a chance to see how the team adapts to the rigours of top‑flight football after a relatively quiet start to the season. For supporters eager to stay connected, the Sky Sports app provides live updates, highlights, and in‑depth analysis of both the Conference League tie and the upcoming league clash.
Additionally, Sky Sports is running a Super 6 competition where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a £1 million prize, adding an extra layer of excitement for viewers. In summary, Brighton’s first leg against Tromso was a tactical battle that ended without goals, but it highlighted both strengths and areas for improvement. The Seagulls now have a clear target: secure a win at home to advance in the Conference League while simultaneously gearing up for a challenging Premier League season opener against Aston Villa.
The next few weeks will be crucial in defining the tone for Brighton’s campaign across all competitions.