Brighton’s young talent Julio Enciso scored a brilliant equalizer in yesterday’s 1-1 draw against champions Manchester City to confirm their place in Europe next season.
Brighton and Manchester City yesterday met at Falmer Stadium and played out an exciting 1-1 draw. The champions scored first in the 25th minute with Phil Foden’s low shot into the goal through an Erling Haaland assist. But Brighton equalized quickly in the 38th minute when Julio Enciso scored from outside the box.
Everything around the goal was so perfect that the City fans were left silenced and amazed. It has a strong chance to be elected the Goal of the Season.
What a goal by Julio Enciso vs Man City!
— Reyi (@Reinaldodcg9) May 25, 2023
Brighton secured Europa League football next season thanks to this fantastic finish. #BHAMCI
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Both sides played well, with either side being denied another goal due to VAR. The draw meant that City’s twelve game Premier League winning streak came to an end.
Brighton in the Europa League
The draw now means that Brighton are now guaranteed to finish in the top six spots. This also means that they have confirmed their place in next season’s Europa League group stage.
It will be the first time in Brighton’s history that they will be playing in a European competition. To imagine a team that was in the third tier of English football in 2011 will now be playing in Europe is an impressive feat. This is also their best ever season, having earned 62 points.
The Seagulls had suffered many setbacks at the start of the season. The departure of longtime manager Graham Potter and left back Marc Cucurella as they were snatched away by Chelsea. Yves Bissouma to Tottenham, Leandro Trossard to Arsenal, and Neal Maupay to Everton. Many thought that they will have a bad season.
But Brighton has had some excellent management. The appointment of Italian boss Roberto De Zerbi has led to Brighton playing some of the Premier League’s best football. They have upset some bigger teams like Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal by huge margins.
They were actively chasing for a Champions League spot but fell short. Nevertheless, the club is definitely happy to be in Europe.
Julio Enciso: The next big Premier League star?
Julio Enciso has made his name on the big stage this season. Under Roberto De Zerbi, he has been impressive. At just 19, he has 4 goals and 2 assists in the league.
Alongside his beautiful goal yesterday, he also ran the midfield for the Seagulls. He was also named the Man of the Match yesterday. City manager Pep Guardiola is said to be impressed by the young midfielder and is thinking of a transfer move for him.
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Guardiola had previously named Enciso as one of the best players to come out of Brighton’s academy. It remains to be seen if the Paraguayan youngster stays to help Brighton or moves to a bigger club like City already.
While Brighton in a sense has finished their season, they still have one last game against Aston Villa on Sunday.
