Brighton and Hove Albion pulled off a spectacular 4-2 comeback victory against Championship side Stoke City in an action-packed FA Cup clash. Joao Pedro stole the show with a late double, guiding his team to triumph in this thrilling six-goal encounter.
Stoke, hungry for an upset, took the lead for 35 first-half minutes, courtesy of Jan Paul Van Hecke’s own goal. However, Brighton’s resilience shone through as Ecuadorian left-back Pervis Estupinan unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards just before the break, shifting the momentum in favor of the Premier League team.
Captain Lewis Dunk headed Brighton ahead early in the second half, but his raised arm conceded a penalty that allowed Lewis Baker to equalize. The game hung in the balance until Joao Pedro, with his 14th and 15th goals of the season, secured Brighton’s victory in the final 19 minutes.
Stoke, led by Steven Schumacher in his fifth match in charge, demonstrated determination, offering hope for the 19th-placed second-tier club. Despite their spirited performance, they were unable to resist Brighton’s fightback.
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi praised Joao Pedro, whose double secured the win, acknowledging the forward’s importance to the team. De Zerbi expressed his admiration for Pedro’s potential, hoping for continued improvement and contribution.
This thrilling FA Cup encounter showcased the resilience and experience of Brighton, who now advance to the next round. The victory sparked memories of their previous journey to Wembley, leaving fans wondering if history might repeat itself for the Premier League side.
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