It was a historic moment for the Seagulls as they made their foray into in European competition against the Greek champions. Brighton qualified for the continental competition for the first time thanks to their sixth place finish in the Premier League last term.
The Seagulls hosted AEK Athens on Thursday night for their opening Europa League Group B fixture, with dates against Ajax and Marseille also on the horizon. It was a roller coaster ride of a match with Joao Pedro scoring twice from the spot but trailed 3-2 with time running out.
Tackling some of Europe’s best sides would have seemed like a distance pipedream back when the club’s very existence was under threat in the late 1990s, with the Goldstone Ground sold to pay off debts before Brighton endured spells playing at Gillingham and then Withdean.The Amex Stadium, though, will be packed in expectation of what De Zerbi’s well-drilled team can go on to achieve – having won 3-1 at Manchester United to record a fourth win from the opening five Premier League games. Brighton have been installed as second favourites for the Europa League behind Liverpool.
Here’s 22 brilliant pictures from photographer Eva Gilbert and Gettyu
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Brighton v AEK Photo: Eva Gilbert
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
A Brighton & Hove Albion fan shows their support prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AEK Athens FC at American Express Community Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton & Hove Albion fans arrive at the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AEK Athens FC at American Express Community Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: General view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AEK Athens FC at American Express Community Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
General view outside the stadium prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 group stage match between Brighton & Hove Albion and AEK Athens FC at American Express Community Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images) Photo: Alex Pantling
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
1.
Brighton v AEK Photo: Eva Gilbert
2. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
3. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert
4. Brighton and Hove Albion v AEK Athens
Brighton and Hove Albion fans at the Amex ahead of their first ever game in Europe. They are playing AEK Athens in the Europa League. Photo: Eva Gilbert