Brighton 1-0 Marseille: Joao Pedro scores astonishing late winner to send Roberto De Zerbi’s side into the last 16 of the Europa League… and helps them AVOID February play-off against Champions League dropout
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Joao Pedro's sixth goal in Brighton's first European campaign secured a place in the last 16 of the competition and ended a night of frustration against Marseille.
For 88 minutes it looked like Roberto de Zerbi's side would be forced into a tough play-off match in February.
But the Brazilian forward struck in the final minutes, receiving a pass in a tight space, working the ball onto his right foot and firing high into the goal.
Anniversary celebrations followed. Brighton have progressed to the Europa League and Pedro has been their spearhead.
Brighton had to win, but Marseille came for the point, defended deep, ran the clock back as soon as they could and counter-attacked to good effect.
It was a late show at the Amex as Joao Pedro scored the goal Brighton needed to beat Group B
Roberto De Zerbi's side are in the last 16, having beaten European regulars Marseille, Ajax and AEK Athens – despite it being their first European campaign
The French hit the woodwork twice and were only minutes away from the point they needed when Pedro found a way to break their resistance.
Brighton's European campaign came to life in Marseille in October. After losing the opener at home to AEK Athens, they trailed 2–0 at the Stade Velodrome before fighting back for a point and winning the next three games to secure qualification and a place in the knockout stages.
Marseille were also through, but the prize for winning the group is significant, avoiding the play-off round between the teams that finished second against the teams that finished third in the Champions League groups.
With this in mind, both managers selected strong teams and Brighton got into a good early rhythm and dominated the first half, with Billy Gilmour dictating the pace from midfield and both wingers enjoying the space behind the wing-backs.
Simon Adringra had the first try of the evening for the home side, cutting in from the right onto his left foot. Kaoru Mitoma mirrored the action for the second. Neither proved too difficult for Pau Lopez to keep out.
In between, Marseille gave the hosts a scare when they hit the woodwork with a deflected shot from full-back Jonathan Clauss, which clipped Pascal Gross, spun high over goalkeeper Jason Steele and struck the crossbar on its way down. Brighton saved the rebound.
The opposing strikers, Joao Pedro and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, came into the match as the competition's top scorers. They each scored five goals in their first five games, but chances were few and far between.
Former Arsenal and Chelsea striker Aubameyang, who scored three times against Ajax in his last Europa League appearance, appeared to be suffering from an injury and required treatment. Pedro grew into the match as halftime approached.
There were scenes of ecstasy at the final whistle as Brighton continued their amazing journey
Jonathan Clauss hit the woodwork with a deflected shot as Marseille searched for a goal
He had one chance when Gross eliminated him with a cross just before half-time. Pedro turned away from his marker, but couldn't get enough power into his shot. Once again, Lopez fell to his left and made the save.
The pattern continued in the second half. Marseille took few risks and frustrated their hosts. Brighton's wide men threatened without finding a breakthrough. Lopez saved from Gilmour and Adingra skied an excellent opportunity created by Mitoma.
Then came another warning as Marseille hit the frame of the goal again. This time it was Amine Harit who weaved into space and beat Steele with a low shot, which found the base of a post and bounced off the goalkeeper, and Jan-Paul van Hecke hooked away before Aubameyang could pounce.
Clauss came close again as play loosened up and Marseille substitute Iliman Ndiaye, signed from Sheffield United in the summer, shone.
De Zerbi made changes while looking for a winner. They are back in Europe in March but now return to the Premier League, with Arsenal following up with their derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday.