Brighton Defeats Marseille In Group B Champions

JAKARTA - The surprise of Brighton and Hove Albion continues in the Europa League. In the last match of Group B against Marseille at the Amex Stadium, Friday, December 15 in the morning WIB, Brighton won 1-0. Brighton also emerged as group winners and qualified automatically for the last 16.

Striker Joao Pedro became the star of Brighton's victory after scoring his only goal in the match. Once he managed to break into the opponent's goal, the 22-year-old immediately ran and jumped into the fans to celebrate.

Yes, Pedro became the new star of The Seagulls after playing an important role in leading him to the knockout stages of the Europa League. Sharpness in European competitions is shown by scoring six goals which makes this Brazilian player the top scorer.

Brighton deserves to celebrate the success of qualifying automatically. Because they face pressure because Marseille only need a draw in that match to strengthen their position as leaders.

However, Brighton is still nothing to lose, aka not burdened. Moreover, this is their debut in European competitions.

The match was tight. Marseille had threatened the home goal in the early minutes of the match.

Only their attacks relied on former Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang could be thwarted. The hosts' slick defense gave Jason

Meanwhile, Brighton is also confident in facing the strong defense of this French Ligue 1 club. Manager Roberto De Zerbi was frustrated that his players could not score for 80 minutes.

But Pedro finally broke the deadlock. When the game entered minute 88, he greeted an assist from Pascal Gross and his shot into the top right corner of goal could not be reached by goalkeeper Pau Lopez.

The score 1-0 for Brighton and apparently lasted until the end of the match. Brighton also emerged as group winners after pocketing the 13th point.

Winning two points from Marseille who are in second place. Marseille also had to play play-offs against the Champions League team.

In another match in the same group, Ajax Amsterdam beat AEK Athens 3-1. The victory made Ajax end the preliminary round by climbing to third.

The Dutch Eredivisie club pocketed the fifth point. Meanwhile, AEK Athens only has four points. Ajax also qualified for the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League. Only, they have to go through the play-offs.