Brighton vs Chelsea FA Cup (07.02.2025) – Match Report, Highlights & Reactions

The FA Cup has always been a stage for thrilling encounters, and the highly anticipated clash between Brighton & Hove Albion and Chelsea on February 7, 2025, lived up to expectations. A fiercely contested battle at the Amex Stadium saw both teams fight for a place in the fifth round, with moments of brilliance, controversy, and high drama.

Pre-Match Build-Up: Team Form & Key Players

Both teams entered this fixture with mixed form in their recent games, making the result unpredictable. Brighton, known for their aggressive attacking style under Roberto De Zerbi, sought to capitalize on home advantage. Meanwhile, Chelsea, under Mauricio Pochettino, aimed to bring stability to their season after inconsistent performances.

• Brighton’s last five matches: A mix of wins, draws, and losses, with standout performances from Kaoru Mitoma and Evan Ferguson.
• Chelsea’s recent form: Struggled with consistency but relied on Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling for attacking threats.
• Injuries & suspensions: Brighton missed Solly March, while Chelsea played without Reece James and Christopher Nkunku.

For a full breakdown of Brighton’s squad and Chelsea’s latest updates, visit BBC Sport – Brighton and Sky Sports – Chelsea.

Match Officials & The Absence of VAR

With Jarred Gillett officiating the match, the biggest talking point before kickoff was the lack of VAR in this stage of the tournament. This meant that any controversial decisions would be left to the on-field referees, a factor that could play a major role in the outcome of the game.

Fans and analysts debated the impact of playing a crucial FA Cup tie without VAR, especially given past encounters between these two teams, which had included contentious referee decisions.

Match Highlights: Key Moments & Analysis

First Half: Tactical Battle & Early Chances

• Chelsea started on the front foot, dominating possession and testing Brighton’s defense early on.
• Brighton relied on counter-attacks, with Evan Ferguson forcing a brilliant save from Robert Sánchez.
• 30th minute: Conor Gallagher went down inside the box under pressure from Lewis Dunk, but the referee waved play on, sparking Chelsea protests.

Second Half: Decisive Goals & Turning Points

• 48th minute: Enzo Fernández opened the scoring for Chelsea with a stunning long-range strike.
• 65th minute: João Pedro equalized for Brighton, finishing a brilliant cross from Pascal Groß.
• 78th minute: Raheem Sterling missed a clear chance to put Chelsea ahead, firing just wide.
• 85th minute: Brighton thought they had taken the lead, but their goal was ruled out for offside—a decision that divided opinions.
• Full-Time Score: Brighton 1-1 Chelsea – The match headed into extra time.

Player Ratings: Who Stood Out?

⭐ Brighton’s Best Performer: Kaoru Mitoma (8/10) – A constant attacking threat, creating multiple chances.
⭐ Chelsea’s Standout Player: Enzo Fernández (8.5/10) – Controlled the midfield and scored a brilliant goal.
❌ Underperformer: Marc Cucurella (5/10) – Struggled defensively against his former club.

Post-Match Reactions & Manager Comments

Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton Manager):

“Proud of the team’s fighting spirit. We kept pushing until the final whistle. The disallowed goal? It’s frustrating, but we move forward.”

Mauricio Pochettino (Chelsea Manager):

“It was a tough game. We had chances to seal the win, but credit to Brighton for making it difficult for us.”

Fans took to social media, debating Chelsea’s missed chances, Brighton’s resilience, and the lack of VAR in such a crucial game.

What’s Next for Both Teams?

• Brighton: They return to Premier League action against Liverpool in their next fixture.
• Chelsea: Prepares for an important Champions League knockout clash.
• The FA Cup draw will determine their next opponent if they progress after a potential replay.

For FA Cup results and upcoming fixtures, check the FA Cup Official Website.

FAQs – Brighton vs Chelsea FA Cup (07.02.2025)

🔹 What was the final score of Brighton vs Chelsea?

• The match ended 1-1 after regular time, leading to extra time or a possible replay.

🔹 Who were the goal scorers?

• Enzo Fernández (Chelsea) and João Pedro (Brighton).

🔹 Why was there no VAR in this FA Cup match?

• VAR is not used in the FA Cup until the later rounds, meaning on-field referees make all decisions.

🔹 How has Chelsea historically performed against Brighton in the FA Cup?

• Chelsea holds a stronger FA Cup record, but Brighton has been improving in recent years.

🔹 What were the key talking points from the game?

• Chelsea’s early dominance, Brighton’s comeback, and the controversial disallowed goal.

Where to Watch Brighton vs Chelsea FA Cup

• TV Channels (UK & US)
  • BBC Sport or ITV Sport (UK) – FA Cup matches are often broadcast on these channels.
  • ESPN+ (US) – The FA Cup is usually available for streaming in the United States.
• Streaming Services
  • BBC iPlayer – If the game is on BBC.
  • ITVX – If ITV holds the rights.
  • ESPN+ – For viewers in the USA.
  • FA Cup Official Website – Might provide live coverage or updates.
• Local Broadcasters
  • Check your local sports channels if you’re outside the UK or US.

If you want the most up-to-date info, I recommend checking BBC Sport or your local sports broadcaster. ⚽📺

Final Thoughts

The Brighton vs Chelsea FA Cup clash delivered excitement, controversy, and high-quality football. With both teams fighting for FA Cup glory, the upcoming rounds promise even more drama.

Would you consider this one of the best FA Cup matches of the season? Let us know in the comments! ⚽🔥