In a game initially lacking quality, both teams struggled to find their rhythm in the opening stages. Brighton appeared the more likely side to break the deadlock, coming close with a header from Lewis Dunk and a sensational long-range effort from Pervis Estupinan that was kept out by a stunning save from Mads Hermansen. The Seagulls had further chances, including Evan Ferguson’s missed opportunity to set up Kaoru Mitoma with a clear goal-scoring chance. However, Leicester failed to capitalize on these warnings, and it was Brighton who eventually took the lead through Tariq Lamptey’s brilliant strike from the edge of the box. The Foxes responded well, with only a remarkable save from Bart Verbruggen denying James Justin an equalizer just before the break.