Brighton Seek European Return in Conference League Play-Off Brighton & Hove Albion face Tromso in the second leg of their Conference League play-off tie on Thursday, with the first leg ending in a goalless draw. Midfielder Pascal Gross emphasized the team’s determination to build on their previous European campaign and provide fans with another opportunity to experience a “European tour.” The match represents a critical step in their quest to advance to the league phase of the competition. Gross, speaking in a pre-game press conference, described the second leg as a “do-or-die” game, stressing that the team must deliver a decisive performance to secure progression. Reflecting on last season’s challenges, where Brighton finished eighth in the Premier League, he reiterated the need to make the most of their European opportunity. “We don’t want to waste the work done last season,” he said. “We are in Europe, and we want to qualify and give our fans another European tour home and away.” The German playmaker highlighted the unique atmosphere of a home game, noting that the support of the crowd would create a “totally different environment” for the opposition. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to capitalize on their home advantage, citing their recent performance in a weekend match as evidence of their readiness. “We showed at the weekend what we are capable of,” Gross said. “We have our crowd, and we are really confident that we go to the next round.” Brighton’s pursuit of European football is not new. The club previously participated in the Europa League during the 2023-24 season, reaching the last 16 before exiting. This year’s Conference League play-off marks their second attempt at European competition in two years.#premier_league #conference_league #brighton_hove_albion #tromso #pascal_gross
Brighton Manager and Captain Address Ticket Refunds, Artificial Pitch, and Europa Conference League Qualifier Brighton & Hove Albion manager Fabian Hurzeler and captain Lewis Dunk provided updates ahead of their Europa Conference League qualifier against Tromso at Romssa Arena, with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 BST on Thursday. The match marks a crucial step in the club’s campaign to secure a place in the competition, with both Hurzeler and Dunk emphasizing the importance of the fixture. Hurzeler outlined the team’s preparations, noting that several key players were unavailable due to injury. Carlos Baleba, who had received an interest from Manchester United, was not expected to feature, while Kaoru Mitoma and Stefanos Tzimas were doubtful starters. Yankuba Minteh was ruled out entirely, leaving the manager to consider potential fresh faces. New signings Pascal Struijk, Luka Vuskovic, and Promise David were mentioned as possible starters, adding depth to the squad. Hurzeler praised Tromso’s playing style, describing it as “very impressive” and highlighting the intensity of their high press. He urged his players to take advantage of the opportunity, stating, “There’s a big opportunity for us. The boys worked hard through the whole of last season and we went through a lot of highs and lows together, but we always showed resilience. This is the reward and now it’s up to us that we will finish this work by being successful in these two games.” The manager emphasized the need for focus and determination to advance in the competition. Dunk, meanwhile, addressed the club’s efforts to support traveling fans. The club had arranged refunds for the 407 fans traveling to the match in northern Norway, acknowledging the logistical challenges they faced.#brighton_hove_albion #lewis_dunk #fabian_hurzeler #tromso #romssa_arena
Brighton Players Refund Fan Tickets for Arctic Circle UEFA Match Brighton & Hove Albion players are covering the cost of match tickets for their fans traveling to the Arctic Circle for Thursday night’s UEFA Conference League playoff match against Norwegian side Tromso. The Premier League club announced Wednesday that the 407 fans making the journey will receive full refunds for their tickets, along with scarves and t-shirts as a token of appreciation for their dedication. The gesture aims to acknowledge the challenges fans faced in organizing last-minute travel to northern Norway for the high-stakes encounter. Brighton captain Lewis Dunk emphasized the players’ desire to show gratitude for the supporters’ commitment. “The fans didn’t know where they were going until the last minute. It’s a long trip for them, and they had to organize everything at short notice,” Dunk said on the club’s website. He added that the team wanted to “start the season off well for the fans” by making a meaningful gesture. The refund will be processed in the days following the match, ensuring fans can focus on the game without financial strain. The match in Tromso represents Brighton’s first competitive fixture of the 2026-27 season. The club’s eighth-place finish in the Premier League last season secured their entry into the UEFA Conference League playoffs, a two-legged tie against Tromso. The Norwegian team advanced to the tie after a 7-1 aggregate victory over Romanian club Cluj in the previous round. For Brighton, the Arctic Circle game is a critical opportunity to build momentum as they prepare for the new campaign. Dunk also highlighted the importance of fan support in the team’s success. “Hopefully, the fans appreciate this gesture from the players and it’s a good start to a good season with them.#uefa_conference_league #brighton_hove_albion #lewis_dunk #tromso #arctic_circle
