Brighton’s first campaign in European football has continued to spring up some interesting storylines after the Seagulls defeated AEK Athens 1-0 on Thursday night to finish top of the group and avoid a playoff against one of the Champions League teams.

In their European debut, Brighton managed to secure four victories, one draw, and one loss in the UEFA Europa League in a group that also had Dutch Giants Ajax, French side Marseille, and Greek team AEK Athens.

They were through to the knockout stages already before Thursday’s game but skipping a play-off tie against a Champions League team was Roberto De Zerbi’s target and they achieved it. Joao Pedro has been instrumental in Brighton’s European run having scored six, including last night’s winner, which automatically makes him the top European goalscorer in Brighton’s history. 

The forward was appreciative of his teammates while speaking about his feat that also helped the English team top a group involving Marseille and Ajax (and AEK Athens).

“I’m very happy. These are the best moments of my life. Thank you to my teammates, they always support me. I’m very happy to be the top scorer in the Europa League. To be top of the table, in the league, or top scorer, you need to keep going through hard work.” Pedro said.

Joao Pedro’s 88th-minute winner helps Brighton qualify directly to the Europa League last 16 as Group B winners ahead of Marseille who needed just a draw to qualify directly ahead of the seagulls.

However, the Ligue 1 visitors will have to navigate the Europa League knockout play-off round while Brighton’s next European game will be in March 2024, after the draws for the last 16 take place on February 23.

Meanwhile, Marseille will now play in the knockout play-off round and face a side that finished third in the Champions League group stages.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu