News about Mijat Gacinovic

Following their declaration of independence in 2006, the country failed to reach four tournaments in a row, but will finally attend at this summer's competition in Germany. They were always going to face a difficult task getting to the knockout stages, but the draw - and format - will potentially give them hope of doing so. Four third-place teams will reach the last 16, and one win in the groups could go a long way. The Eagles aren't just there to make up the numbers.

In Thursday evening's Europa League tie, Brighton's head coach was unable to watch Joao Pedro's match-winning penalty against AEK. The Italian manager is known for his high-octane appearances in the dugout, often showing the emotion - or annoyance - of the supporters in the stands. This behaviour continued in Athens, with the former Shakhtar Donetsk coach seeming to be unable to tempt fate.

MATT BARLOW IN ATHENS: This one is unlikely to persist for the next 200 years, but the Greeks will be tempted to file it away with the Elgin Marbles in the box of apparent injustices. Brighton will not be concerned, though. They left Athens with three points from a game that has dominated for long stretches by AEK, and this is enough to extend their first Europa League campaign into the knock-out season next year. Joao Pedro, who scored his fifth goal and fourth from the spot, had a penalty coolly taken and won himself by the penalty area early in the second half.

MATT BARLOW AT THE AMEX: The Seagull flight into Europe commanded a lot of enthusiasm. It was, quite rightly, a celebration in its own right. Confirmation of some aspects of their revival from extinction, not only to return to the top flight of English football but also beyond. Brighton Pavilion was lit in blue for the occasion and decked the streets in club colours. Fans of the Amex Stadium were in high spirits. Then AEK Athens descended on the south coast and clipped their wings.