Brighton 4-0 Tromso: Kostoulas shines in Conference League rout

Brighton booked their place in the UEFA Conference League league phase with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Tromso at the Amex Stadium.

After dismantling Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend, Brighton produced another devastating first-half performance. Tromso simply could not cope with the hosts’ pressing and intensity as Charalampos Kostoulas, Maxim De Cuyper and Mats Wieffer all struck before the interval.

Olivier Boscagli completed the scoring late on as Brighton continued their impressive start to the new campaign.

Kostoulas opened the scoring with another reminder of why the highly-rated striker continues to attract attention.

The Greek forward took advantage of Brighton’s aggressive press before producing a composed low finish from around 18 yards.

It was another significant performance from the youngster amid reported interest from Chelsea, with Brighton valuing their attacking talent highly.

Kostoulas was at the heart of another energetic Brighton display and caused Tromso problems with his movement and willingness to attack space.

Brighton did not allow Tromso any opportunity to recover.

Belgium international Maxim De Cuyper made it two goals in two matches when he added Brighton’s second, continuing his excellent start to the season.

Wieffer then effectively killed the tie before half-time.

Operating at right-back, the Dutchman charged forward and emphatically finished the move to make it 3-0.

It was a first half dominated by Brighton’s intensity. Tromso struggled to play through the press, while the hosts repeatedly regained possession in dangerous areas.

Brighton remained on the front foot after the break despite already having complete control of the contest.

Boscagli thought he had scored the fourth in the 74th minute, only for his effort to be ruled out for offside.

The defender did not have to wait much longer.

With five minutes remaining, Boscagli collected the ball around the edge of the penalty area and fired a left-footed effort home to complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory.

It was a deserved reward for Boscagli following his impressive recent performances.

Brighton have now followed their 4-0 Premier League victory over Aston Villa with another four-goal performance at the Amex.

Their pressing, movement and attacking intensity proved far too much for Tromso, while another clean sheet added to an excellent evening.

Most importantly, Brighton's European campaign will continue after they comfortably secured their place in the Conference League league phase.

Brighton can now look forward to discovering their opponents in the Conference League league phase, with confidence growing rapidly after two dominant performances.

Attention will also remain on Kostoulas as the transfer window approaches its conclusion, particularly with speculation surrounding Chelsea. Brighton, however, have another major European campaign ahead and the Greek striker has shown exactly why he could be an important part of it.