Brighton make history with first ever goal in Europe, but AEK Athens rain on their Europa League parade | talkSPORT

Joao Pedro scored twice from the penalty spot to become Brighton's first-ever European goalscorer on a night where AEK Athens spoiled the party with a 3-2 win.

The Seagulls played their first continental clash in their 122-year history as they hosted the Greek side on home soil, but despite Pedro's landmark goal, it was an evening that didn't go to plan.

Pedro converted the penalty to the delight of the home fansCredit: Getty

Joaoa Pedro wheeled away in celebration after slotting home the penaltyCredit: TNT Sports

His teammates joined him to celebrate the landmark goal in the club's historyCredit: TNT Sports

AEK took the lead after winning a corner just ten minutes into the clash and scoring in sublime fashion.

Whipped in from the left flank, the ball found Djibril Sidibe on the edge of the penalty with the defender powering a bullet header past Jason Steele is sublime fashion.

Eagle-eyed Premier League fans may remember Sidibe from a loan spell that he enjoyed with Everton during the 2020/21 campaign.

Brighton pushed forward again and were awarded a penalty after a clear foul on Pedro.

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After a needless VAR check, the Brazilian forward sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 1-1 and bag the Seagulls' first-ever European goal - one that supporters will be hoping to be the first of many under Roberto De Zerbi.

Unfortunately for the home side, AEK Athens had other plans as Mijat Gocinovic restored the visitors' lead from another set piece, leaving Brighton scratching their heads as to how they were behind at half time.

But Brighton fought their way back into it again in identical circumstances with a VAR call ruling in the Seagulls' favour, with Pedro once again stepping up to draw the game level midway through the second half.

It was a night to remember for AEK who spoiled the party on the south coast

However it wasn't done yet, as AEK struck a winner through Ezequiel Ponce late on to really spoil the party on the south coast.

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Seagulls boss Roberto De Zerbi said post-match: "We were unlucky. I think the result is unfair but we have to accept it.

"I think we played well. I'm very pleased with the performance, we played with personality.

"We may not have the right experience but we have younger players... but at the end I'm happy for the performance and I have to be focused on the performance because I can't explain the result if we concede three goals like today."

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