The Carabao Cup often produces fascinating stories, from lower-league upsets to breakout performances by emerging stars. On a brisk evening at Kassam Stadium, however, Oxford United were on the receiving end of a relentless display of attacking football as Brighton & Hove Albion romped to a 6-0 victory. Leading the way was 18-year-old Greek forward Stefanos Tzimas, who netted a clinical brace to underline his growing reputation as one of European football’s brightest young prospects.
This emphatic result ensured that Roberto De Zerbi’s Brighton booked their spot in the third round of the Carabao Cup, further highlighting the Seagulls’ depth and ambition across multiple competitions this season.
Tzimas Steals the Headlines
While Brighton’s squad was full of seasoned professionals and rising stars, it was Stefanos Tzimas who stole the show. Making only his second start for the senior team, the teenager demonstrated composure beyond his years. His first goal came in the 23rd minute, when he latched onto a clever through ball from Adam Lallana before calmly slotting past the Oxford keeper.
His second strike, arriving just after halftime, was even more impressive—a thunderous effort from the edge of the box that rocketed into the top corner. It was the kind of goal that announces a player’s arrival to the wider footballing world.
Fans and pundits alike were quick to praise Tzimas, whose style of play has drawn comparisons to fellow Greek striker Giorgos Giakoumakis, albeit with a more technical edge. For Brighton, who pride themselves on identifying and nurturing young talent, Tzimas looks like another success story in the making.
De Zerbi’s Tactical Approach
Roberto De Zerbi is renowned for his progressive tactical philosophy, and this match was no exception. Brighton lined up in their familiar possession-heavy system, using fluid interchanges between midfield and attack to stretch Oxford’s defense.
- Midfield control: Billy Gilmour orchestrated the tempo, recycling possession with precision while offering defensive stability.
- Wide threats: Simon Adingra and Facundo Buonanotte constantly probed the flanks, forcing Oxford’s full-backs onto the back foot.
- Rotational freedom: Players frequently switched positions, creating overloads that Oxford struggled to track.
The result was a one-sided affair, with Brighton enjoying over 70% possession and registering 19 shots on target. Oxford, in contrast, were pinned back for much of the match, rarely venturing into Brighton’s half with any real threat.
Goals Galore
Brighton’s attacking prowess was on full display as six goals rained down on the hosts. Beyond Tzimas’ brace, there were contributions from all over the pitch:
- Stefanos Tzimas (23’) – A composed finish after Lallana’s incisive pass.
- Pascal Groß (34’) – The German midfielder unleashed a curling strike into the bottom corner.
- Stefanos Tzimas (48’) – A spectacular long-range rocket that showcased his raw talent.
- Facundo Buonanotte (56’) – The Argentine winger capped a mazy run with a tidy finish.
- Simon Adingra (67’) – Exploiting space at the far post, he tapped in from close range.
- Evan Ferguson (81’) – Coming off the bench, Ferguson added further gloss with a powerful header.
Each goal illustrated the variety in Brighton’s arsenal—from intricate build-up play to individual brilliance and clinical set-piece execution.
Oxford’s Struggles
For Oxford United, this was a chastening evening. The League One side entered the contest with hopes of testing Premier League opposition, but they were outclassed from the outset.
- Defensive gaps: Oxford’s backline struggled to deal with Brighton’s movement, leaving gaps for runners like Tzimas and Adingra to exploit.
- Midfield overrun: Despite valiant efforts from Cameron Brannagan, Oxford’s midfield was overwhelmed by Brighton’s press and passing triangles.
- Limited attacking threat: The home side registered just two shots on target, both easily dealt with by Brighton’s keeper Jason Steele.
Manager Des Buckingham acknowledged the gulf in quality post-match, noting that his side “faced a team operating on a completely different level.” Still, he emphasized that the experience of playing against such high-caliber opponents could serve as a valuable learning curve for his squad.
Brighton’s Depth on Display
One of the standout aspects of this victory was Brighton’s ability to rotate their squad without compromising performance. With European commitments looming, De Zerbi made several changes from his usual Premier League lineup, handing opportunities to fringe players and academy graduates.
- Adam Lallana: The veteran midfielder rolled back the years with an intelligent display, dictating play and assisting Tzimas’ opener.
- Billy Gilmour: His distribution and energy cemented control in midfield.
- Facundo Buonanotte and Simon Adingra: Both wingers provided dynamism and end product, showing that Brighton’s attacking options run deep.
- Evan Ferguson: Despite starting on the bench, he made his mark with a trademark headed goal.
For Brighton, this squad depth will be crucial as they look to juggle domestic and European campaigns.
Fans and Atmosphere
The Kassam Stadium was filled with anticipation before kickoff, with Oxford supporters hoping for a giant-killing moment. Yet as the goals piled up, it was Brighton’s traveling fans who turned the evening into a celebration.
Chants of “Seagulls, Seagulls” echoed around the ground as De Zerbi’s men showcased their free-flowing football. The emergence of Tzimas added to the excitement, with fans already creating songs for the young striker.
For Oxford, though the result was heavy, their supporters stayed behind to applaud their team at the final whistle, recognizing the gulf in class while still backing their players.
Post-Match Reactions
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Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton Manager)
“I am very proud of the team. We respected the competition, we respected the opponent, and we played our football. Tzimas was fantastic tonight—he has talent, but more importantly, he has the right mentality. This is just the beginning for him.”
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Stefanos Tzimas
“It’s a dream come true to score twice for Brighton. I want to thank the coach and my teammates for trusting me. Hopefully, this is the first of many nights like this.”
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Des Buckingham (Oxford Manager)
“We knew it would be difficult, but Brighton’s quality was on another level. There are lessons to take from this game, and we’ll use them to improve in our league campaign.”
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