Brighton were forced to settle for a goalless draw against a stubborn Tromso side in the first leg of their Conference League play-off.
Playing their first competitive game of the season, the Seagulls looked laboured at times against a Norwegian outfit midway through their domestic campaign.
Brighton will have to get the job done back at the Amex in the second leg next Thursday night, knowing any win will be enough to take them through to the main draw of the competition.
In between that they face their first Premier League fixture of the 2026/27 season, as they prepare to host Aston Villa live on Sky Sports on Sunday in a 2pm kick-off.
The key moments
29: SAVE! Haugaard called into action again from distance as Rutter strikes one from 25 yards and the Tromso keeper gets down to his left to push it wide.
30: GREAT SAVE! From the resulting corner it falls to Osman. He chests it down and lashes it on the volley, and Haugaard reacts brilliantly to touch it out for anotther corner.
45+2: CHANCE! Super ball in from Gross with a corner that finds Boscagli. He's unmarked in the middle but heads over!
49: BIG SAVE! Tromso threaten! One ball from Edvardsson finds its waythrough to Heine Larsen. The flag stays down but Verbruggen rushes off his line to make a brilliant stop.
54: SAVE! Ayari is growing in influence. He finds his way into the books and then skips two challenges before seeing his shot palmed wide.
75: BIG CHANCE! Brilliant cross from Cozier-Duberry finds Kostoulas in the middle. It's sub to sub, but Kostoulas heads over from a great position!
86: WHAT A CHANCE! Tromso should win it!! Vadebu is in after some poor defender from Vuskovic. He's clean in on goal but he puts it wide!
Hurzeler wants cutting edge on return leg at the Amex
Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler to club media: "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.
"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 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.
"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."
Watch Brighton vs Aston Villa in their opening game of the 2026/27 Premier League season live on Sky Sports on Sunday; kick-off 2pm
