Brighton ‘adventure continues’ say Sidwell and Crouch after hard-fought AEK win

Updated 30/11/2023 at 20:59 GMT

Brighton’s UEFA Europa League “adventure continues” said Steve Sidwell after a 1-0 win over AEK Athens secured a top-two finish in Group B. Peter Crouch hailed “calm and composed” Joao Pedro’s penalty for his fifth goal in five Europa League games. Roberto De Zerbi’s side, making their European debut, can reach the last 16 with victory over Marseille on December 14.

Brighton players celebrate a 1-0 win over AEK Athens

Image credit: Eurosport

Peter Crouch and Steve Sidwell agreed Brighton were far from their best in a 1-0 win over AEK Athens but the Seagulls’ UEFA Europa League “adventure” will continue into 2024 after a vital win for Roberto De Zerbi’s men.

“Job done. Just seeing the shots there of the team celebrating and the manager celebrating, that’s what it is all about,” said former Brighton midfielder Sidwell on TNT Sports.

“On the whole, the adventure continues and what an adventure it is.”

Hampered by a series of injuries, Brighton did not produce the free-flowing football they have shown at times under De Zerbi.

“Tonight wasn’t their finest night, they won’t remember it, but they will remember the result,” said Crouch.

Once again Pedro was Brighton’s hero in this competition. The Brazilian won the penalty and dispatched it coolly into the bottom corner for his fifth goal in as many Europa League games.

“They had to dig in at times. I certainly thought they were better second half, they were more of a threat,” added Crouch.

“It was a great run by Joao Pedro and he’s so calm an composed from the penalty spot.”

Victory over Marseille at home in two weeks’ time will ensure Brighton qualify directly for the Europa League last 16 by winning the group. Should they finish second behind the French giants, they face a playoff in February against one of the sides to drop down from the Champions League.

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