Match Summary
Brighton defeated AEK Athens FC 1:0. The match was played in UEFA Europa League 2023. Goals were scored by João Pedro 55′ (pen.). 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red cards. AEK Athens FC had 56% possession while Brighton held 44%. AEK Athens FC had 19 shots (5 on target) compared to 9 (2 on target) for Brighton. Expected goals: AEK Athens FC 1.58 — Brighton 1.26. AEK Athens FC made 4 substitutions, Brighton made 4. VAR was involved: Penalty confirmed (João Pedro 54′).
Match Events
Key match events between AEK Athens FC and Brighton — 1 goals and 5 cards recorded during the match.
Penalty
Match Statistics
AEK Athens FC had 56% possession against Brighton's 44%. AEK Athens FC registered 19 shots (5 on target) while Brighton managed 9 (2 on target). Corner kicks: 4–4. Fouls committed: 12–13.
Lineups
AEK Athens FC lined up in a 4-1-4-1 formation under M. Almeyda, while Brighton deployed a 4-2-3-1 under R. De Zerbi.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for AEK Athens FC is 7.04, compared to 6.89 for Brighton. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. AEK Athens FC's highest-rated starter is P. Mantalos (7.49), while Brighton's best-rated player is P. Groß (7.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of AEK Athens FC have contributed 8 goals and 10 assists this season, led by O. Pineda (4G). Brighton's starters account for 5 goals and 5 assists, spearheaded by K. Mitoma (2G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
AEK Athens FC deploy 4 defenders rated 6.93 on average, against Brighton's 4-man backline averaging 6.78. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
AEK Athens FC field 5 midfielders averaging 7.14, versus Brighton's 5 rated 6.95. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
AEK Athens FC start 1 forward(s) averaging —, compared to 1 for Brighton averaging —. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 49% for AEK Athens FC and 82% for Brighton. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
AEK Athens FC's starters have collected 25 yellow cards this season, compared to 22 for Brighton. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of AEK Athens FC's starting XI is 30.8 (youngest: L. Rota (28), oldest: D. Vida (36)), while Brighton average 28.7 (youngest: J. Hinshelwood (20), oldest: L. Dunk (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
AEK Athens FC's starters average 16 league appearances each, versus 22 for Brighton. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Substitutes
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, AEK Athens FC have recorded 3 wins, 3 draws and 0 defeats. Brighton show 4 wins, 0 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
AEK Athens FC
Brighton
API data: 15 Mar 2026