Joao Pedro’s late winner sends Brighton into Europa League last 16 and spares them from February play-off against Champions League dropout

Joao Pedro’s late winner sends Brighton into Europa League last 16 and spares them from February play-off against Champions League dropout

Brighton booked their place in the last 16 of the Europa League with a 1-0 win over Marseille thanks to a breathtaking late winner from Joao Pedro. 

Roberto De Zerbi’s side were headed for second in Group B and a play-off against a Champions League dropout in February until Pedro’s 88th-minute winner. 

A thunderous strike from the competition’s top scorer sent the Amex Stadium into ecstasy and boosted them to the top of the group over the seasoned French campaigners. 

Marseille had defended resolutely, only needing a draw, but Brighton finally drew blood and from their clung on for a special victory.  

Match facts  

BRIGHTON (4-2-3-1): Steele; Hinshelwood, Van Hecke, Dunk, Igor Julio; Gross, Gilmour; Adingra, Buonanotte, Mitoma; Pedro.

Substitutes: Verbruggen, McGill, Veltman, Kavanagh, Baleba, Milner, Dahoud, Lallana, Hinchy, Chouchane, Ferguson, Duffus.

Goal: Joao Pedro (88′). 

MARSEILLE (5-3-2): Lopez; Clauss, Meite, Mbemba, Balerdi, Lodi; Harit, Veretout, Ounahi; Aubameyang, Vitinha.

Substitutes: Ngapandouetnbu, Blanc, Gigot, Murillo, Soglo, Kondogbia, Nadir, Ndiaye, Mughe, Sarr.

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