Got something to say or just want fewer pesky ads? Join us... 😊

Brighton's Debut Season in European Football



The 2022/2023 season saw Brighton & Hove Albion secure their first European football experience in the club's 121-year history. As the club stepped onto the continental stage, the excitement was visible among fans and the entire club. The Seagulls were drawn with Ajax, Marseille and AEK Athens in Group B of the 2023/24 Europa League.

corner-ball-6566084_1280.jpg


Source: Pixabay

Facing Former Champions​

The Seagull's highest finish in the Premier League saw them face two former European champions, Ajax and Marseille. Ajax had been a four-time winner of the Champions League and a Europa Cup holder, while Marseille won the Champions League in 1993. AEK Athens were also champions of the 2022/2023 Super League Greece season. Brighton were considered the least favourites and several fans had little hope of progressing, with many sportsbooks placing low odds on them leaving the group stages.

Some sportsbooks ranked Brighton 14/1 to win the competition. These odds work like the RTP and volatility levels in online slots and casino games, signifying how probable it is to win. A high RTP with low volatility indicates a higher theoretical rate of return, while a low RTP with high volatility indicates a lower chance. Some operators provide further practical guides to aid players in knowing how odds and volatility levels work. For instance, there are casino operators that offer guides on each of their game variants. Hence, a card game fan who needs to know more about a different variant, like baccarat, can read an online baccarat guide. Some also offer demo games to help players understand how odds and volatility levels work before playing for real money.

fancy-crave-qowyMze7jqg-unsplash-2.jpg


Source: Unsplash

The Big Stage​

De Zerbi’s Brighton side secured an impressive run in the Europa League group stage. They lost their first game to AEK Athens with a late winner from E. Ponce, despite J. Pedro clinching two goals. In the reverse fixture in October, the Seagulls claimed victory, defeating the home team by a lone goal from Pedro.

On October 5, Brighton’s game against Marseille ended in a tie, with two goals from both sides. A remarkable return fixture got Brighton three points from Pedro's 88th-minute goal. Brighton celebrated their first home victory in Europe in the fixture against Ajax, seeing the back of the net twice with goals from Pedro and Ansu Fati in both halves. Fati registered another goal in the return fixture away in Amsterdam, defeating the former champions by two goals.

Edge of Glory​

Brighton played six matches at the end of the group stage, won four, lost one and drew one with Marseille. They had a goal difference of +5 (10 goals scored and five conceded), leaving them with 13 points on their way to face AS Roma in the round of 16 knockout.

In the knockout stage, the Seagulls faced AS Roma in the Stadio Olimpico. The fixture was a tough challenge and the Romans dominated the tie, winning 4-0. Despite winning the return fixture with the lone goal from Danny Welbeck, this wasn't sufficient to take the Seagulls to the next round of the competition.

A Historical Debut on the Continental Stage​

The seagulls’ debut season in European football showcased their progress, talent and determination, even though they couldn’t advance further in the tournament. Their historic campaign elevated the club’s profile while setting a new milestone for subsequent seasons.
 


Albion and Premier League latest from Sky Sports


Top
Link Here