Brighton welcomed European football to their home soil for the first time in their history but were nit able to smile to end after loosing 3-2 to AEK Athens.

Roberto De Zerbi got was disappointed as Ezequiel Ponce scored a late breakaway goal to secure the victory after AEK Athens had seized the lead through Djibril Sidibé and then Mijat Gacinovic in an exciting contest that saw Joo Pedro score twice from the penalty spot to tie the score.

Brighton were tipped the better side on the night, however defensives breakdown was the major problems of the Seagulls who had their captain and defense leader, Lewis Dunk sitting on the bench. Dunk was clearly missed.

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It was a surprise to see young phenom Evan Ferguson not even named in the matchday squad owing to a minor injury. Dunk’s absence had been rumored in the lead-up to kickoff, with the England defender reported to be dealing with a neck issue.

There was a palpable sense of expectation as the Brighton fans appeared to be shouting and waving blue and white flags. De Zerbi had emphasized beforehand that Brighton could use this competition to continue their progress.

The team used to be stuck in League One and played their home games at a small athletics facility, but now, because to Tony Bloom’s astute ownership and De Zerbi’s tactical acumen, they feel like they already belong at this level.

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