Brighton thrash Chelsea 3-0 at the Amex Stadium to deal a blow to the Blues’ Champions League qualification hopes, as the Seagulls boost their own European ambitions.

The English top-flight fixture saw the hosts break the deadlock just three minutes into the game, with Ferdi Kadıoğlu scoring what became Brighton’s fastest goal of the season.

After the break, Brighton doubled their advantage with a well-finished strike from Jack Hinshelwood off a fine assist from Georginio Rutter, and right before the end of stoppage time, the home side made it three-nil with a brilliant strike from Danny Welbeck following an effort from Maxim De Cuyper.

The loss for the Blues comes shortly after Chelsea’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United, with Matheus Cunha scoring two minutes before half-time.

The result puts Liam Rosenior’s side in an unlikely seventh place in the race for a UEFA Champions League spot in the league standings.

As Chelsea continue to struggle with poor form, recording five consecutive losses without scoring for the first time since 1912, Brighton sit sixth to boost their European hopes.