The pace in the first half was understandably slow in the baking hot temperatures of the Costa Del Sol.
Albion looked composed in early stages with former Stoke loanee Andy Moran lively in midfield and youngster Harry Howell causing a few problems down the right.
Yasin Ayari had the first chance for Brighton as his effort from the edge of the box was well saved, before Kaoru Mitoma picked out Howell with a lovely cross but the youngster just failed to apply the finishing touch.
Albion's opener arrived on 38 minutes as Howell probed down the right. The ball arrived to Ayari, who quickly found Mitoma and the Japan ace fired home after a heavy deflection.
Stoke levelled minutes later as a swift counter attack saw dangerman Million Manhoef crash an effort against the bar. Lewis Baker was quick to follow up and his goal-bound effort struck the arm of Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba. A penalty was awarded and Baker stepped up to smash a low effort past Jason Steele.
Brighton changed all 11 players after the break and showed greater intensity. It was a dream start for £10m defender Diego Coppola as he powerfully headed home to restore Brighton’s lead from Caylan Vickers cross.
Georginio – who missed a couple of chances in the second half – added a late third to seal a deserved win for Fabian Hurzeler’s team.
Here’s how all 22 Seagulls rated...
9. Danny Welbeck - 6
Dropped deep to find space and link the play, which he did very well in the first half. Not quite the four goal exploits of Wycombe but looks sharp ahead of the season Photo: BHAFC
10. Andrew Moran - 7
On loan at Stoke last year. The Irishman covered plenty of ground in the early stages. Stole possession on a number of occasions and did his chances no harm at all. Photo: Alex Pantling
11. Harry Howell - 7
Nice early touches and looked confident. The youngster also performed his defensive duties well too. He was inches away from opening the scoring as Mitoma's cross just eluded him. Positive and direct and forced freekicks in dangerous areas. It was his probing down the right flank that started the move for Mitoma's goal. Photo: Mike Hewitt
12. Carl Rushworth - 6
Replaced Jason Steele in the second half and was rarely troubled. What he did do, he did well. Photo: Bryn Lennon