Brighton fans have been on an emotional rollercoaster over the past few days.

They probably felt deep sadness and jealousy as their rivals Crystal Palace lifted the FA Cup on Saturday, dealing a heavy blow to Brighton’s chances of qualifying for Europe.

Then came the frustration of outplaying Liverpool but still being behind at halftime in a thrilling and unpredictable game.

All that changed to jubilation when academy product Jack Hinshelwood scored a late winner in the 85th minute, lifting Brighton’s hopes and keeping their Europa Conference League dreams alive.

For that dream to become reality, Chelsea must win this year’s Conference League—securing a Europa League spot—but also finish outside of the Premier League’s top five. Is it straightforward? Not at all. Is it likely? Maybe not. But it remains within the realm of possibility.

Hinshelwood was the match-winner and local hero on a special night—especially poignant with his father Adam managing York City in the National League play-offs on Tuesday. It capped a brilliant comeback for Fabian Hurzeler’s side, who had earlier equalized through Kaoru Mitoma.

Jack Hinshelwood bagged the decisive goal as Brighton stunned champions Liverpool 3-2

The hosts came from behind to claim a crucial win that keeps their European hopes alive

Liverpool’s squad spent the previous week vacationing in Dubai, while new manager Arne Slot relaxed in Ibiza

Brighton’s head coach praised the team’s commitment, saying “they worked hard for this”

After enjoying leisure time in Dubai and throwing a 1966-themed farewell bash for departing icon Trent Alexander-Arnold, Liverpool could have been excused for showing signs of rust, especially with Slot rotating his squad and handing rare starts to Harvey Elliott, Jarell Quansah, and Federico Chiesa—yes, him.

Despite these changes, Liverpool started sharply and went ahead just nine minutes in. Conor Bradley dazzled with a slaloming run that may have eased fans’ pain over Alexander-Arnold’s exit.

Bradley had just signed a new contract on Saturday, underlining the club’s faith in him. While he might not need to prove himself to Slot, a solid outing wouldn’t hurt—especially with Jeremie Frimpong having already completed a medical at Liverpool.

Bradley controlled a long diagonal from Dominik Szoboszlai, weaved past Adingra and Webster with ease, then squared the ball for Elliott to finish—a simple tap-in and his first league goal of the season.

Chiesa, making his first league start since arriving from Juventus for £10million, nearly returned the favor minutes later, setting up Bradley for a chance. But Brighton soon found their rhythm and began to dominate proceedings.

Danny Welbeck came agonizingly close with a header that just missed and drew gasps from fans watching the replay on the stadium’s big screen.

The veteran striker didn’t take long to make amends, linking up with Brajan Gruda to assist Yasin Ayari’s composed finish, levelling the score.

Chiesa was among those given a rare start in Liverpool’s lineup for the clash down south

Alexander-Arnold, booed last week and host of a recent party, remained on the bench

Bradley shone at right back, creating Liverpool’s opening goal with a dazzling run

Welbeck played a key part in Brighton’s first two goals, assisting one and netting the other

However, it was Hinshelwood who stole the spotlight—scoring alongside his cousin—tapping in Matt O’Riley’s pinpoint cross

MATCH STATS AND PLAYER RATINGS

BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Verbruggen 7; Wieffer 6.5, Van Hecke 6, Webster 5, Estupinan 6; Baleba 8, Ayari 7.5 (Gomez 74, 6); Minteh 7 (Hinshelwood 83), Gruda 7.5 (O’Riley 73, 6), Adingra 7 (Mitoma 65, 6); Welbeck 7 (Howell 84).

Unused subs: Rushworth, Dunk, Igor, VeltmanBooked: WebsterGoals: Ayari 32, Mitoma 69, Hinshelwood 85Manager: Fabian Hurzeler 8

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3): Alisson 8; Bradley 7 (Endo 77), Konate 6, Quansah 6, Tsimikas 5.5; Elliott 7, Gravenberch 6, Szoboszlai 7.5 (Jones 63, 6); Salah 6, Chiesa 7 (Nunez 63, 6), Gakpo 6.5 (Diaz 63, 6).

Unused subs: Kelleher, Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Robertson, Van DijkGoals: Elliott 9, Szoboszlai 45+1Manager: Arne Slot 6Referee: Andy Madley 7

Hurzeler’s side continued to take the game to the champions, yet went into the break trailing after a Szoboszlai strike that left many questioning whether he meant it. From the right flank, he lofted what seemed a cross—but it caught Verbruggen off guard and nestled into the far corner.

The second half turned into a frenetic, end-to-end contest, with both keepers making critical saves. Alisson denied Welbeck from a free kick and then produced a brilliant reaction stop to deny Gruda from close range.

Salah, meanwhile, had a glaring miss—pulling a shot wide from six yards out after good work by Gakpo.

Brighton found an equalizer in the 69th minute when Mitoma, just four minutes after coming off the bench, volleyed home with aplomb.

The Seagulls pressed on, and their persistence paid off when Hinshelwood converted O’Riley’s cross to snatch the win. A European tour next season? It’s not over yet.