Bart Verbruggen was the hero for Brighton & Hove Albion after his stoppage-time penalty save from Igor Thiago secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brentford at the Amex Stadium. The Brazilian forward had earlier opened the scoring from the spot in the first half.
Danny Welbeck equalised in the 71st minute, and substitute Jack Hinshelwood completed the turnaround with six minutes left. However, deep into added time, Maxim De Cuyper was penalised for holding Kevin Schade, gifting Brentford a chance to level. Thiago stepped up, but Verbruggen saved to spark wild celebrations.
Brighton manager Fabian Hürzeler, watching from the stands due to a touchline ban, praised his goalkeeper: 'I always have to believe and especially with Bart because I know what he is capable of doing. He was there in the right moment with a big save.' Hürzeler also lauded his team's character, saying, 'How we faced adversity and how my team stuck together... they definitely deserved to win this game.'
Brentford's interim boss Keith Andrews defended Thiago: 'Thiago has been immense for us this season so there is no blame attached to him.' The win lifted Brighton to fifth in the Premier League, while Brentford remained in 11th.
