Brighton and Hove Albion return to winning ways in the Europa Conference League with a first-ever away win against Getafe. 1-0 to the Albion, and it was incredibly comfortable. 

It must be said, the Spaniards started the game pretty well, and actually gave Albion an early scare with some early possession and chances, but the Seagulls rode the wave. 

Fabian Hürzeler will have known that his side hadn’t won away from home so far in Conference League fixtures and it seemed as though early nerves certainly showed to begin with. However, the nerves settled down and Albion began to take control of the tie. 

Despite not scoring, things seemed relatively comfortable in the opening half. A big save from Bart Verbruggen kept things level, and kick-started Albion's fight. A close-range effort was dealt with instinctively at his near post by the Dutch number one goalkeeper. 

We know how good he has been this season, but seriously, we need to start giving this man his flowers for his incredible start to the season so far. 

Albion should have scored a goal of their own in the first half. Hadjam had a sporadic game, but a very positive one. 

The Algerian’s effort came back off the post after a burst through the midfield resulted in quick thinking from Getafe’s goalkeeper. Hadjam made that run on many occasions, as did the other Albion midfielders. Jack Hinshelwood was incredibly clever with these types of runs. Clearly, the Seagulls smelled blood. 

The second half continued fairly similarly, but a big impact was made by Albion’s record signing in Luka Vuskovic. 

The Croatian defender had an emphatic game, stopping any opportunities from developing and acting as a commanding presence for the Seagulls. 

We once questioned the leadership within the Albion ranks, but Vuskovic has answered a lot of prayers despite his 19 year old age! 

Albion’s goal came in the form of the classic deep ball from Pascal Groß, which was elegantly headed on by Costinha; Malick Yalcouyé’s delightful header hammered off the underside of the bar to give Brighton the lead for the first time on the road in the Conference League.

After that, the game seemed in no doubt. 

Getafe offered very little, and Albion saw off the Spanish side comfortably. 

Brighton are now the only side not to concede in the Conference League, and remain in good stead to qualify for the latter rounds. With Crystal Palace’s trophy win last year, Albion fans will be dreaming about the opportunity of a first-ever major trophy in this competition! 

Special times, special results and special performances. Hürzeler has proved his worth in adaptability so far this season, and it looks like things are truly on the up.