الشارقة 24 – أسعد خليل:
Danny Welbeck scored twice as Brighton & Hove Albion defeated Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday in a Premier League match, dealing a significant blow to the Reds’ aspirations for a Champions League berth next season.
Boosted by Galatasaray Victory
Brighton entered the match on the South Coast with momentum on their side, fresh off a dominant 4-0 victory over Galatasaray in midweek that secured their place in the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain. However, a goal in each half from veteran striker Welbeck secured the home side their fourth win in five league games, reinvigorating their hopes for a European spot next season.
Alisson Becker and Mohamed Salah Absent
Liverpool took to the pitch without Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson Becker and Egyptian star Mohamed Salah due to injury. The Reds suffered another setback when French forward Hugo Ekitike was forced off early following a strong challenge with former Liverpool player James Milner.
Brighton took the lead in the 14th minute when Welbeck, 35, headed home his 11th goal of the season from a Diego Gomes cross.
The former Manchester United and Arsenal player is now the leading English goalscorer in the league this season.
The visitors equalized thanks to a heads-up play from left-back Milos Kerkez, who capitalized on a poor back pass from captain Lewis Dunk to his goalkeeper, Bart Verbruggen, and slotted the ball home in the 30th minute.
Second-Half Action
Brighton started the second half strongly and regained the lead through Welbeck once again, finishing off a well-worked move started by a precise cross from Gambian Yankuba Minteh and a clever lay-off from Jack Hinshelwood, with VAR confirming the goal in the 56th minute.
Liverpool’s points total remains at 57, two points behind Aston Villa and one ahead of Chelsea, with the top five positions almost guaranteed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Despite their early title defense faltering, Liverpool remain contenders in the Champions League and will face Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup next month.
