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BRIGHTON’S Europa League adventure ended at the last-16 stage despite their victory over Roma at the Amex.

Roberto de Zerbi’s side fought hard throughout and had their chances, but a 4-0 defeat at the Stadio Olimpico in the first leg meant this task was beyond them.

In a feisty encounter, Danny Welbeck’s superb curling strike eight minutes before the break lifted Brighton’s hopes.

And although they exerted pressure throughout, the hosts were unable to get near to pulling off what would have been a stunning comeback.

Roma’s Sardar Azmoun had a superb first-half overhead kick controversially disallowed for a high foot to keep Brighton in the contest, but they were unable to convert opportunities that came their way in the second half.

Simon Adingra had a point-blank close range header stopped by Roma keeper Mile Svilar, who also saved from Igor, while Jan Paul van Hecke was also off target with two decent headed attempts as the tie came to a rather inevitable conclusion.

Brighton’s learning experience

Brighton’s first venture into Europe ended in disappointment, but there were many memorable moments that will serve them well should they put themselves in a position to enjoy the experience once more.

After starting with a home defeat by AEK Athens, Brighton won home and away against Ajax, while the loss to the Greek side was avenged away from home. There was a draw in Marseille before victory over the French team at the Amex.

Their campaign was effectively finished off by that heavy loss in Rome. The Italian team’s aggregate lead, for all Brighton’s efforts here, was simply unsurmountable.

Brighton’s fans, even as the campaign came to a close, fully entered into the spirit of what they described as their European tour, which provided many thrilling moments that they will hope to sample again soon.

De Zerbi’s side still have much to play for this season, with the opportunity of qualifying for Europe once more still very much a possibility.

Brighton are eighth in the Premier League, only five points behind Manchester United in sixth place, and their passionate, talented manager will be eyeing up a big finish so this stadium can enjoy big European nights once more next season.

And in the final stages, Brighton’s supporters paid noisy tribute to both the manager and players who have taken them on this journey.

BBC

15th March, 2024.

C.E.

Tags: Brighton Roma