Joao Pedro scores Brighton’s first ever European goal but AEK Athens rains on their Europa League parade
Joao Pedro scored Brighton’s first ever European goal, but AEK Athens are currently spoiling their historic night on the south coast.
The Seagulls play their first continental clash in their 122-year history when they host AEK Athens at home, but despite Pedro’s historic goal, it was a night that hasn’t exactly gone to plan so far.
Joaoa Pedro left in celebration after scoring the penalty (/caption)
His teammates joined him to celebrate the club’s historic goal(/caption)
AEK took the lead after winning a corner just ten minutes into the match and scoring in sublime fashion.
Sent in from the left flank, the ball found Djibril Sidibe on the edge of the penalty, the defender powering a bullet header past Jason Steele in sublime fashion.
Eagle-eyed Premier League fans may remember Sidibe from a loan spell he enjoyed with Everton during the 2020/21 campaign.
Brighton pushed forward again and were awarded a penalty after a flagrant foul on Pedro.
After an unnecessary VAR check, the Brazilian striker sent the keeper the wrong way to make it 1-1 and score the Seagulls’ first ever European goal – a goal fans hope will be the first of many series under Roberto De Zerbi.
Unfortunately for the home side, AEK Athens had other plans as Mijat Gocinovic restored the visitors’ lead with another free-kick, leaving Brighton wondering just how far behind they were at half-time.
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