– newcomers and missed chances characterized the opening match at Romssa Arena
Brighton started their European journey with a goalless affair against Tromsø in the first Conference League play-off match at Romssa Arena. The 0-0 draw didn’t give much of an answer – but gives everything to play for in the return leg in Sussex next week.
Fabian Hürzeler’s side qualified for European play via eighth place in the Premier League last season, but have lost important pieces this summer. Danny Welbeck (14 goals last season) and Jan Paul van Hecke are both gone, and that affected the team.
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The Seagulls dominated possession, but struggled to break down a compact and well-organized Tromsø river.
Verbruggen saved – Rutter close
In the first half, Georginio Rutter was dangerously close to scoring, while Bart Verbruggen had to make a brilliant save to deny Heine Åsen Larsen a Tromsø lead.
Late in the game, substitute Charalampos Kostoulas headed the ball into the roof of the net – but 0-0 remained.
Without Baleba – against United rumours
Carlos Baleba was not in the squad – the midfielder is heavily linked with Manchester United, and Hürzeler chose to rest him.
Brighton start the Premier League season on Sunday away to Aston Villa, but first the return against Tromsø will decide their Conference League fate.
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The overall winner advances to the league phase. Everything will be decided in Brighton next week.
