Brighton secured their first win in Europe, completely outplaying fallen giants Ajax in a 2-0 victory on a famous night at the Amex Stadium in the UEFA Europa League.
The visitors are four-time European champions, but are in a rut right now, down in the relegation zone in the Eredivisie and without a permanent manager.
Brighton compounded Ajax’s woes with a controlled and impressive display that belied The Seagulls’ own troubles of a mounting injury list.
Brighton struggled to turn thei possession into chances in a one-sided first-half, but finally took the lead when Kaoru Mitoma’s shot was saved back into the path of the onrushing Joao Pedro, who continued his impact in front of goal to give the home side the lead.
And Ansu Fati made the game comfortable after the break with a lovely finish.
Brighton survived one scare when Steven Berghuis hit the post on a rare foray forward from Ajax. But the Netherlands international was withdrawn soon after with the visiting team seemingly resigned to the defeat.
It was almost exhibition football from Brighton as the clock ticked down, and the south-coast faithful relished the opportunity to celebrate a historic win – the club’s first in European competition against one of the continent’s great clubs.
