The flight of the Seagulls into Europe commanded great fanfare. It was, quite rightly, a celebration in its own right. Confirmation of sorts of their recovery from the brink of extinction, not only to return to the top flight of English football but beyond.
The city responded by lighting up Brighton Pavilion in blue for the occasion and decking the streets in club colours. Fans flocked to the Amex Stadium in high spirits. Then AEK Athens descended on the south coast and clipped their wings.
Twice the Greeks led and twice Roberto de Zerbi’s team responded with the help of two penalties awarded after VAR referrals and both clinically converted by Joao Pedro as the contest twisted one way and another.