Vidošić pleased to see Brighton stand up to the challenge of Chelsea | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Dario Vidošić was pleased with how his side stood up to the challenge of facing Barclays Women’s Super League leaders Chelsea.

The Seagulls took a point against The Blues after recording a 2-2 draw at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday afternoon. Sandy Baltimore fired Chelsea into the lead but goals from Marisa Olislagers and Vicky Losada put the hosts in control. Lauren James netted an equaliser for Chelsea in the second half to preserve their unbeaten record.

When speaking to the media after the match, Brighton & Hove Albion boss Vidošić admitted that he was pleased with how his team performed against Chelsea.

“We probably had opportunities to go 3-1-up,” Vidošić explained. “I thought in the first half, we were really, really good, creating lots of chances. I think we limited them, they didn’t create too much of note.

“We just tried to make it as difficult as possible in terms of our pressing. We won it and then a few times, it just didn’t drop to us as well, so we probably didn’t have a little bit of fortune or luck from the press; a few times they would escape it and sometimes they’d break it. The league is full of good players and they’ve got an abundance of good players.

“It was a terrific response, we found two very good goals, then I think in the second half, it’s just the mental, physical aspect of it; we’re 2-1 up against the champions, they are undefeated, so it’s just how we see that out.”

Vidošić was delighted with how his side stood up to the challenge but still feels that there is more to learn.

He said “It was a fantastic challenge and I think we stood up to that.

“We can improve a lot. I think we can still be much better with the ball and I think it’s just that when we’re in these positions; how do we continue and how do we play the game more in our terms? I think that will help us to save energy as well, especially when you’re playing Chelsea.”

Madison Haley was named Brighton’s Player of the Match and Vidošić praised the American for stepping up to the challenge of playing against Naomi Girma.

He said “She stood up to her and I think she caused very big headaches. She deserved it today for all her effort and everything she’s done. Hopefully, she’ll get a lot of confidence from that and she’ll build.”

Brighton return to Barclays Women’s Super League action on Sunday 16 March 2025 when they travel to Tottenham Hotspur.