Brighton had to stay patient against a compact defence
Getafe closed the space between midfield and defence, so Brighton could not play every attack through the middle. The hosts moved the ball across the pitch and waited for a defender to step away from the line.
That approach did not produce an immediate goal, but it limited the risk of a counterattack. Brighton kept enough protection behind the ball and avoided giving Getafe an easy route towards the box.
Yalcouye made the key moment count
The breakthrough arrived in the 64th minute. Yalcouye found the space to finish, giving Brighton a lead that changed the final part of the contest.
Getafe had to attack with more players, but Brighton remained compact and protected the narrow advantage. The clean sheet was as important as the single goal.
A controlled win is useful in a league phase
The European fixture was played on 5 November. Brighton did not create a large score, yet three points and a clean sheet improve both its position and goal difference.
The performance also showed a useful alternative to open football. When space is limited, Brighton can win through patience, careful rest defence and one accurate action in the box.
The next step is to create that decisive action earlier. An earlier lead would force a compact opponent to leave its shape and give Brighton more room for the combinations it prefers.