Chelsea almost missed out on the Premier League title race. This time they had to leave the FA Cup as well. Brighton won 2-1 against Chelsea on Saturday (February 8), which is a big blow for Chelsea. This loss came as an even bigger blow for Chelsea, because Brighton has gone to the fifth round and Chelsea's FA Cup campaign is over here.

Enzo Maresca's team fell behind early. Brighton goalkeeper Bert Verbruggen scored an own goal after just 5 minutes, when the ball from Cole Palmer's cross was mistakenly put into his own net. However, Brighton made a great comeback after that. Georginio Rutter's excellent header made the score 1-1 seven minutes later.

Chelsea's English star Cole Palma had another chance before the break, but failed to capitalise. Brighton dominated the second half. In the 57th minute, Japanese winger Mitoma fooled Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez and slotted the ball into the Chelsea net. There were no further goals and Brighton won 2–1.

The defeat means Chelsea are still in the hunt for the FA Cup and have not won an away game since December. The Europa Conference League is now Chelsea's only hope of a trophy in Enzo Maresca's first season.

Brighton winger Tariq Lampard said after the win: "It's really good that everyone came together to fight against Chelsea and bring the game back to us."

Chelsea's FA Cup exit confirms that they face more challenges this season.