Kostoulas’ Stunning Debut Bicycle Kick Rescues Dramatic Point for Brighton Against Bournemouth

Key Takeaways:

• Brighton claimed a 1-1 draw at home to Bournemouth in the 22nd Premier League round
• Charalampos Kostoulas, aged 18, scored his first goal for Brighton with a remarkable bicycle kick during stoppage time
• Marcus Tavernier had put Bournemouth ahead with a 32nd-minute penalty following a VAR decision

Match Overview

An extraordinary stoppage-time goal secured a 1-1 draw for Brighton & Hove Albion against Bournemouth at the Amex Stadium during the 22nd round of the Premier League. Despite not claiming all three points, the home crowd witnessed a moment of magic as the 18-year-old Greek prodigy Charalampos Kostoulas netted a debut goal of the highest calibre with a sensational bicycle kick.

The points are shared at the Amex. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/6iSC9L8ewc

— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) January 19, 2026

First Half: Controversy and Missed Opportunities

Brighton started on the front foot, with Bryan Gruda, Ferdi Kadioglu, and Jack Hinshelwood all unable to capitalise on early opportunities to break the deadlock. Bournemouth, largely playing on the counter, created few chances but made theirs count after Amine Adli fell inside the area following contact with Bart Verbruggen. Initial referee Paul Tierney issued Adli a yellow card for simulation, but upon VAR review, the decision was overturned, resulting in a penalty. Marcus Tavernier successfully converted from the spot to give Bournemouth a 32nd-minute lead.

The visitors almost doubled their advantage before the interval when record signing Evanilson struck the post. At the opposite end, Brighton struggled to carve open clear chances, failing to truly test goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic during the first period.

Second Half: Brighton Intensify the Pressure

After the break, Brighton injected further impetus with the introduction of Yankuba Minteh, Georginio Rutter, and Carlos Baleba. The hosts gradually took control and increased the pressure on a Bournemouth side forced deep into their own half, yet fortune repeatedly favoured the visitors as Brighton were denied an equaliser.

Late Drama and Kostoulas’ Spectacular Equaliser

The breakthrough arrived in the second minute of eight added on at the end of the match. Substitute Kostoulas, showing remarkable composure despite being surrounded by multiple Bournemouth defenders, unleashed a stunning bicycle kick into the right corner, sending the Amex crowd into raptures. The draw saw Brighton remain 12th in the Premier League standings, while Bournemouth occupy 15th spot.