(Credit: Imago)

Ciaran Morrison

Sun 17 May 2026 17:28, UK

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Brighton’s European destiny remains in the balance following a late 1-0 defeat at Elland Road against Leeds.

In a first half lacking in much goalmouth action, both goalkeepers had to make fingertip saves on the stroke of half-time.

Karl Darlow was forced to push wide Pascal Gross’ swerving effort, before Bart Verbruggen had to keep out what could have been an own goal from his own defender Lewis Dunk.

Ethan Ampadu’s goal line clearance denied Danny Welbeck the opening goal, and substitute Diego Gomez lashed over a golden chance too in the second half.

Jan Paul van Hecke ended up gifted Leeds the winning goal deep into added time as Dominic Calvert-Lewin latched onto his short back pass and rounded Verbruggen.

Brighton pay for lacklusture first half

Brighton’s last three Premier League games have seen at least three goals scored in each, but the first half failed to deliver at Elland Road.

Welbeck was given little service, with the striker not seeing a sight of goal inside the opening 45 minutes, and the 35-year-old was replaced by Georginio Rutter just past the hour mark.

Winger Kaoru Mitoma’s absence from the squad, due to a thigh injury, was a blow to Fabian Hurzeler, and the German missed being able to call upon him from the bench.

Hurzeler did not make a change at half-time, and despite Brighton’s increase in intensity in the second half, it failed to work as Darlow remained largely untested in goal, even if the visitors had their moments to score.

Pascal Gross continues to shine

Since his return to Brighton from Borussia Dortmund in January, Gross has played an important role in the Seagulls’ charge to the European spots.

The 34-year-old was the most impressive performer here for Brighton, controlling and dictating the game in the middle of the park.

Gross was unlucky that his strike did not open the scoring in the first half, and the German looked the most likely to open up Leeds’ low defensive block.

Hurzeler could add to his midfield ranks in the summer with sources telling Football Insider that Brighton are pursuing Middlesbrough star Hayden Hackney.

Brighton player ratings vs Leeds

• Bart Verbruggen – 6
• Joel Veltman – 5
• Jan Paul van Hecke – 4
• Lewis Dunk – 6
• Maxim De Cuyper – 6
• Pascal Gross – 8
• Carlos Baleba – 4
• Ferdi Kadioglu – 5
• Jack Hinshelwood – 5
• Yankuba Minteh – 4
• Danny Welbeck – 5

Substitutes

• Georginio Rutter (On for Welbeck 65′) – 5
• Diego Gomez (On for Veltman 65′) – 3
• Yasin Ayari (On for Baleba 82′) – 5
• Charalampos Kostoulas (On for Hinshelwood) – 5
• Solly March (On for Minteh 93′) – 5