A third defeat in a row for Frank Lampard whose side couldn’t hold onto the lead after Conor Gallagher’s deflected strike in the 13th minute after Argentinian star Mac Allister and Ferguson came so close to giving Brighton the lead.
Brighton took back control of the game soon after going behind. The visitors dominated the remainder of the first half, drawing magnificent saves from Kepa, Chelsea’s captain for the game.
First half substitute Daniel Nii Tackie Welbeck drifted into the box and headed home from close-range to level the match in the 42nd minute. A well deserved equalizer for the Seagulls.
Frank Lampard’s side were second -best throughout the first 45 minutes at the Stamford Bridge. They went into the dressing room with a ring of boos from the fans at the break.
Chelsea nearly conceded again early in the second half after Kepa’s goal-kick was drilled straight at the feet of Welbeck, who took a touch and shot at goal but Kepa did well to save it.
At this moment, it was very obvious which team were more likely to win, and in the 69th minute, Julio Enciso fired a shot from about 30-yards out into the top left corner to give Brighton the win.
Second half substitute Reece James and Mudryk attempts to bring Chelsea level proved futile.
Chelsea host Real Madrid in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final on Tuesday night.