In a match brimming with passion, controversy, and a touch of history, Crystal Palace held their nerve to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at Selhurst Park, despite ending the game with just nine men on the field. It was a victory that not only lifted the Eagles to 11th in the Premier League but also completed their first top-flight league double over Brighton in club history a feat last achieved in the 1932–33 Southern League season.

The encounter sprang to life almost immediately. Within just three minutes, Jean-Philippe Mateta marked his return from injury in style, smashing home the opener after being teed up by the ever-impressive Eberechi Eze. Mateta’s goal was more than just a celebration of sharp finishing; it was a testament to his resilience following a long spell on the sidelines due to a serious ear injury.

Brighton, however, were not there to roll over. They responded in the 31st minute when Yankuba Minteh picked out Danny Welbeck with a perfectly measured cross, which the veteran striker volleyed into the net to bring the Seagulls level. The first half closed with the score at 1-1, and the sense of unpredictability hung heavy in the London air.

After the break, Crystal Palace regained control with a sweeping counterattack. Eze once again was the architect, delivering a sublime pass across the pitch to Daniel Muñoz. The Colombian winger took a deft touch into the area and fired a deflected shot past Bart Verbruggen to restore Palace’s lead in the 55th minute.

But it was the final 20 minutes that turned this contest into chaos. Eddie Nketiah, brought on in the 68th minute, was booked almost immediately for simulation and then shown a second yellow for a reckless high challenge on Jan Paul van Hecke just ten minutes later. Down to ten men, Palace's resolve was tested. Then came another blow this time to captain Marc Guéhi, who was dismissed after a second yellow for a studs-up tackle.

With two men down, Palace dug deep. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson stepped up, making a string of vital saves, including a point-blank stop from Yasin Ayari in the dying minutes. As Brighton surged forward with a man advantage, they too lost discipline. Van Hecke, earlier on the receiving end of Nketiah’s tackle, saw red himself in stoppage time for cynically bringing down Daichi Kamada.

When the final whistle blew, Selhurst Park erupted in celebration. Palace had weathered the storm, defended with backs against the wall, and claimed a famous win over their fiercest rivals.

The result moves Palace to 43 points, four behind Brighton who sit eighth, and keeps their faint hopes of European qualification alive. For Brighton, the loss adds to a stuttering patch of form that threatens to undo their earlier momentum.

This was more than just a derby it was a statement of resilience, a chapter of historic firsts, and a night that Crystal Palace fans will remember for years to come.