Brighton’s campaign in the UEFA Conference League began with a frustrating 0‑0 stalemate against a resolute Tromso side in the opening leg of the play‑off round. The Seagulls, who were making their first competitive appearance of the new season, seemed to struggle for rhythm against a Norwegian outfit that was midway through its own domestic schedule.
While the match offered a few moments of promise for the English club, Tromso’s disciplined defensive shape and timely interventions ensured that neither side could break the deadlock. The fixture was significant for Brighton because it set the tone for their upcoming European adventure. A clean sheet was a positive sign, but the lack of a goal left the team aware that a decisive result would be required when they return to the Amex Stadium for the second leg on Thursday night.
A win at home would be enough to secure progression to the group stage, so the Seagulls will be keen to translate the work they did in the first half into a more attacking display in front of their supporters. Manager Fabian Hurzeler entered the game with a warning that midfielder Carlos Baleba would miss the trip due to a minor injury.
The news also hinted at Baleba’s possible transfer to Manchester United, adding a layer of intrigue to Brighton’s midfield options. Despite Baleba’s absence, Hurzeler’s side attempted to dominate possession and create chances, yet they were often met with a compact Tromso back line that closed down spaces quickly and forced the visitors onto the back foot.
The match timeline highlighted several key moments. In the 29th minute, Tromso’s goalkeeper, Haugaard, produced a reflex save from distance after a powerful strike from Rutter that was forced wide by the keeper’s quick reaction. Just a minute later, a corner saw Brighton’s Osman chest the ball down before unleashing a volley, only for Haugaard to tip the effort onto the post, resulting in another corner for the home side. The first half concluded with a chance for Brighton when a corner delivered by Gross found Boscagli, who, despite being unmarked, headed the ball over the bar in added time.
The second half offered its own drama. In the 49th minute, Tromso’s Edvardsson found Heine Larsen in a dangerous position, but Brighton’s goalkeeper Verbruggen sprinted off his line to make a crucial save.
Later, at the 54th minute, Ayari, who has been gaining influence in the squad, managed to get a shot on target, only to see his effort palmed away by the opposition keeper. Brighton continued to press, and in the 75th minute a well‑timed cross from Cozier‑Duberry reached Kostoulas, who headed the ball over from a promising spot, albeit after a substitution had taken place. Near the end of the match, Tromso came close to taking the lead. In the 86th minute, a poor defensive lapse from Vuskovic allowed Vadebu to find himself one‑on‑one with the Brighton goalkeeper, but his attempt drifted wide, leaving the score unchanged.
After the final whistle, Hurzeler addressed the club’s media, acknowledging that Tromso had executed exactly the game plan Brighton had anticipated. "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 praised his side for creating opportunities but admitted that the result fell short of their expectations.
"We controlled the game, but we weren't quick enough in possession. We still had a few opportunities, but 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," Hurzeler added.
Looking ahead, the manager emphasized the importance of capitalising on the home advantage in the second 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.
Beyond the European fixture, Brighton’s schedule quickly turns to domestic matters. The Seagulls are set to host Aston Villa in their opening Premier League match of the 2026/27 season, a game that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports with a 2 p.m.
kickoff on Sunday. That encounter will provide an early test of how the squad adapts to the rigours of top‑flight football after a pre‑season that has already featured a competitive European outing. Fans can stay up to date with the latest developments by downloading the Sky Sports app, which offers live streaming, match highlights, and in‑depth analysis. The app also features interactive elements such as the Super 6 competition, where participants can enter for free for a chance to win a £1 million prize.
In summary, Brighton left the first leg of their Conference League play‑off with a clean sheet but no goal, a result that leaves the tie finely balanced. The team will need to sharpen its attacking edge and maintain defensive solidity in the return fixture at the Amex Stadium to secure progression to the group stage.
The upcoming Premier League opener against Aston Villa will also serve as a barometer for the squad’s form as they aim to build momentum across both domestic and European fronts.