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Brighton Outdoes Itself and Defeats Champion Liverpool

Liverpool suffered their second defeat as Premier League champions in their third game since clinching a record 20th league title, falling 3–2 away to Brighton in the penultimate round (Matchday 37).

In a match where the Reds twice held the lead, manager Arne Slot made four changes to the lineup that drew with Arsenal. Dutch captain Virgil van Dijk, Andy Robertson, Curtis Jones, and Colombian winger Luis Díaz all began on the bench, along with Trent Alexander-Arnold — who was met with boos during his last appearance at Anfield amid reports of his impending move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Italian forward Federico Chiesa was handed his first league start for Liverpool, joining Egyptian star Mohamed Salah in attack. Salah marked his 300th Premier League appearance — becoming only the fourth African player to reach the milestone after Ivorians Kolo Touré (353) and Wilfried Zaha (305), and Ghana’s Jordan Ayew (303). The match also represented Salah’s 400th appearance for Liverpool in all competitions, and he wore the captain’s armband from the opening whistle for the first time.

Match Highlights

Liverpool got off to a strong start, opening the scoring in the 9th minute through Harvey Elliott, who finished a dazzling solo run down the right flank by Northern Irish full-back Conor Bradley.

Brighton equalized through Swedish midfielder Yasin Ayari in the 32nd minute, following a sharp team move and a perfectly timed assist from German youngster Brajan Gruda.

Just before halftime, the Reds reclaimed the lead via a curling effort from a tight angle by Hungarian midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai (45+1’), a goal that looked more like a cross than a shot but beat the Brighton goalkeeper nonetheless.

Liverpool had several chances to extend their lead early in the second half but failed to convert — and paid the price in the 69th minute. Japanese winger Kaoru Mitoma, coming off the bench, was on hand to fire in the rebound after Brazilian keeper Alisson had parried a Danny Welbeck attempt.

Brighton sealed the comeback in the 85th minute through substitute Jack Hinshelwood, who volleyed home from a Mitoma cross. The goal was initially ruled out for offside but was reinstated following a VAR review. The win marked Brighton’s 15th of the campaign, lifting them to 58 points in eighth place.

If Brighton can hold onto eighth after their final match against Tottenham, their hopes of European football will depend on the outcome of the UEFA Europa Conference League final. Should Chelsea lift the trophy and finish seventh in the league (they currently sit fourth), the Premier League’s eighth-place team will earn a place in European competition next season.

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