Brighton European adventure exceeding all expectations
Whilst 1,500-odd Brighton fans were inside the OPAP Stadium for the final away game of the Albion’s Europa League Group B campaign, I was sat by a warm log fire at home ready to tuck into a lamb shank, mashed potatoes and gravy.
Even nearly 2000 miles away from Athens, the tension was building. A win for the Albion would guarantee qualification into the knockout round of the competition. Home and away, this European adventure has exceeded all expectations so far.
Nobody wants it to end – and thanks to sheer grit and determination securing a 1-0 win at the OPAP Stadium, at least a couple more Europa League nights are guaranteed after Christmas.
Such is the excitement the Europa League brings that I decided to tune into BBC Radio Sussex and watch the game on TNTV as well.
This was not because TNTV stands for Tony Noble Television (it doesn’t), but so I could celebrate any Albion goals twice.
The delay in radio broadcast means Johnny Cantor and Warren Aspinall are about 30-45 seconds behind the television commentary.
TNTV showed a 30 minute segment about Brighton before the game presented by Joe Cole. The programme was very complimentary about the Albion and included interviews with Lewis Dunk and Roberto De Zerbi.
De Zerbi told Cole he was a very good interviewer at the end. Cole responded by flashing De Zerbi a smile. It is not only Albion fans who love our Italian head coach!
It was reported that Mr Tony Bloom and Mr Paul Barber OBE had both made the trip. It is always great to see the support for the team from the very top of the club.
When the teams entered the stadium, they were greeted by a noise which sounded like it was from an ancient Greek gladiator arena.
By now, I am sure the players are getting used to these European crowds who never stop singing, chanting and whistling.
What Brighton have become good at is silencing home fans. They did it again to Athens, meaning at times you could hear the Albion support over 29,000 AEK supporters. Those who travelled were a credit to the club.
Brighton were wearing their special white Europa League kit for the first time. It looked great and the Albion made an equally great start to match it with some really good early opportunities.
Evan Ferguson latched onto a slide rule pass and had two attempts. The second of those led to a corner, headed back across goal and into the danger area by Lewis Dunk. Ferguson could not quite connect to turn it in.
Such an exciting opening few minutes had me dribbling gravy down my shirt as I could not concentrate properly on dinner. That was about to change though as AEK took control.
Bart Verbruggen had to earn his money, making numerous good saves over the next hour. One fine tip over from Steven Zuber gave AEK a corner which Zuber headed narrowly past the far post.
The stats midway through the first half showed Athens on 47 percent possession. It felt like AEK had enjoyed more and Brighton would openly admit I am sure that they were not playing as well as they can.
That continued into the second half. I had been impressed by the Swiss referee, Mr Sandro Scharer, up until the point where he waved play on after Joao Pedro was brought down in the box.
AEK broke up the other end but then VAR told Mr Scharer to stop play and check the monitor. After a long look, he pointed to the spot.
Pedro had almost tempted fate when asked about his 100 percent penalty taking record for Brighton before the game, admitting he had in fact missed from 12 yards once when playing in Brazil.
All I could think about as he stepped up was that comment. My panic was thankfully wasted; cool as a a cucumber, Pedro rolled the pall past Cican Stankovic to give the Albion a 1-0 lead.
Athens responded by becoming more physical. Soon after the goal and Joel Veltman was hacked to the floor by Mijat Gacinovic. Already on a yellow card, Gacinovic was sent off and AEK now had to try and find an equaliser with only 10 players.
Brighton used their man advantage to go on the attack. Igor Julio burst through the middle, slotting a great ball to Ferguson.
Onside with only the Stankovic to beat, Ferguson saw the ball knocked away from him as he attempted to go around the AEK goalkeeper. It should have been the Albion’s second of the night.
I wondered whether Brighton would rue that missed chance. And moments later, Simon Adingra did likewise when squandering another opportunity.
Having only just got my blood pressure under control following the 3-2 win at Nottingham Forest, I could feel it starting to creep up again as the game entered the final 10 minutes.
There was an 87th minute debut for young Josh Duffus, who almost marked it with a goal after a positive run down the left. He certainly looked one to keep an eye on.
Five minutes of time added on seemed to be more like five hours. The final whistle brought a mixture of relief that a difficult game was over and excitement that there will be further European adventures to come.
With a massive injury list and a squad most of whom have never played European football before, progressing to the knockout stages is a superb achievement.
And it could get better. Beat Marseille at the Amex next and Brighton will top Group B. What a team this Albion side are.
Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony
Seagulls Best Ever Season Volume 2 charts Brighton’s record breaking 2022-23 campaign through the eyes of Tony Noble, an East Stand Upper season ticket holder at the American Express Stadium. It is available from Waterstones, WHSmith, Amazon Bookstore and all good bookshops as well as the Albion Superstore at the Amex and via this link.
