Thursday, September 21, 2023 at 11:04 PM• Tom Rofekamp • Last update: 00:06

Brighton & Hove Albon have had a disappointing start to their Europa League campaign. The Seagulls were heading for a draw against AEK Athens, but lost in the final phase: 2-3. Brighton also played the first European match ever. Jan Paul van Hecke started in the starting line-up for Roberto De Zerbi’s team.

Particularities:
Of all the Dutch, only Van Hecke appeared at the kick-off at Brighton; Joël Veltman and Bart Verbruggen started on the bench. The trio watched as the visitors opened the scoring at the Falmer Stadium. Ehjan Hajisafi placed a corner on the head of Djibril Sidibé, who headed in beautifully from a great distance: 0-1. João Pedro leveled the score moments later with a self-deserved penalty. The 1-2 also came from a standard situation: Mijat Gacinovic gave the final push with a sharply cut free kick from Levi GarcÃa. Joao Pedro put the score at 2-2 with his second. Once again it was a penalty, once again it was given after a VAR check. 2-2 also seemed to be the final score, until Ezequiel Ponce plunged Brighton into mourning just before the end.

Brighton & Hove Albion – AEK Athens 2-2
11′ 0-1 Djibril Sidibé (assist: Ehsan Hajisafi)
30′ 1-1 Joao Pedro (penalty)
40′ 1-2 Mijat Gacinovic (assist: Levi GarcÃa)
67′ 2-2 Joao Pedro (penalty)
84′ 2-3 Ezequiel Ponce