Kaoru Mitoma got an assist as Brighton won 2-0 away to Bournemouth on Tuesday, with the Japan winger becoming the first player from the club to score or provide an assist in five consecutive English Premier League matches.

A low left-footed cross from man-of-the-match Mitoma was superbly flicked into the bottom corner by an Evan Ferguson backheel for the 27th-minute opener at Vitality Stadium.

Brighton's Kaoru Mitoma (C) takes on a Bournemouth player during an English Premier League match at Vitality Stadium in Bournemouth on April 4, 2023. (Kyodo)

"It was down to his quality. It was amazing to see him score from that body position," said Mitoma of the 18-year-old Ireland international's goal.

Substitute and 19-year-old Paraguayan Julio Enciso netted from meters out in second-half stoppage time to double the lead before Mitoma was replaced.

The win moved Brighton to sixth on the league table with 46 points, four behind fourth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, as they continue their pursuit of a Champions League place next season by going five games unbeaten.

"Of course we are aiming for it. The battle starts from here," Mitoma said.

Brighton visit Spurs, who have played two more games than the Seagulls, on Saturday in a crucial fixture.

In Germany, Ritsu Doan played the entire match as Freiburg toppled Bayern Munich 2-1 away from home to reach the German Cup semifinals.

Eintracht Frankfurt also reached the last four by beating Union Berlin 2-0 at home. Former Japan captain Makoto Hasebe played the entire match for Frankfurt and his teammate and current Japan international Daichi Kamada came off the bench in the 67th minute.


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