Brighton had been narrowly crushed on their European debut, dropping 3-2 to AEK Athens on the Amex Stadium, regardless of twice coming from behind.
It was a historic night on the south coast because the Seagulls – who 26 years in the past confronted extinction as a membership – made their first look within the Europa League, however the absence of injured captain Lewis Dunk proved telling.
There was little doubt within the high quality of AEK’s opener – a bullet header from Djibril Sidibe (11) – however further objectives from Mijat Gacinovic (40) and Ezequiel Ponce (84) uncovered Brighton’s defensive fragilities.
However AEK had been hardly good on the again themselves, gifting away two penalties after some sloppy defending. In virtually an identical incidents, Ehsan Haji Safi and Jens Jonsson fouled Joao Pedro, with the spot kicks given after a VAR overview.
The Brighton ahead took and scored each, but it surely was not sufficient to provide his aspect their first factors in Europe. It’s arguably a chance missed in a tricky Group B which incorporates Marseille and Ajax, who played out a 3-3 draw in the group’s other match.
Extra to comply with…
What’s next?
Brighton are again in Premier League motion on Sunday at dwelling to Bournemouth. Kick-off 2pm. Their subsequent Europa League Group B fixture sees them journey to Marseille on Thursday October 5. Kick-off 5.45pm.
AEK Athens go to Panathinaikos on Monday September 25 within the Tremendous League Greece. Kick-off 7pm (BST). They host Ajax of their subsequent Europa League fixture on October 5. Kick-off 5.45pm