“And what you can hear in the background is the roar of 30,000 seagulls planning a European tour.” In years to come those words will become iconic as it marks the moment little old Brighton secured European football for the first time in their existence. Four months later and the Albion found themselves in what many considered ‘the group of death’ with Ajax, AEK Athens and Marseille to face.

AEK Athens beat Brighton on their own turf in the opening game as Pedro’s penalties weren’t enough to overcome the Greek giants in a historical evening for the club. Two weeks later we were off to Marseille for the first ever European away day and possibly one of the best experiences of my life. Next up was Ajax who we managed to do the double over, winning 2-0 on both occasions. The final European trip was to Athens where Pedro converted from the spot as coolly as ever to secure the Albion’s place in the knockout stages of the competition. The final task was Marseille at home, where Brighton had to win to automatically progress to the round of 16. Who else but Pedro to seal the deal at the death to send the seagulls soaring through to the next round. It’s been quite the journey already, with plenty more to come over the next week.

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Brighton drew Italian side Roma in the round of 16 draw in February, which I don’t think any fan can complain about. These are the trips they dreamed of when the final whistle was blown in the 1-1 draw vs Manchester City. A big team, with a big stadium, in a famous city, what more could you want? But now as the first leg looms and fans hop on a plane to the Italian capital, nerves are beginning to kick in as the feeling of ‘what if’ returns once more. Roma are in tremendous form of late, having only lost one of their last nine matches and winning their most recent game against Monza 4-1.

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Since Daniele De Rossi became manager after the departure of Jose Mourinho, it’s been like watching an entirely new side. He’s transformed the side and is getting the best out of players who were previously out of form under Mourinho. The Roma boss and Roberto De Zerbi are friends and De Rossi even said: “I didn’t want Brighton (in the draw). It will be a difficult game to prepare. They have hurt many top sides in England, I respect De Zerbi.” De Zerbi isn’t enjoying as much success, with the Albion winless in their last three games alongside a pretty dodgy away record. But they have made the Amex a fortress this season, only losing there twice in all competitions, so if they can keep the score level in the first leg, there’s a chance for a miracle on the 14th of March.

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Romelu Lukaku and Joao Pedro are the top scorers in the Europa League this season, but only Roma’s number nine will have the chance to add to his tally. Brighton’s record signing won’t feature in either of the round of 16 legs due to a hamstring injury. A huge blow for the Albion to add to their recent injury woes. Pedro joins Solly March, Jack Hinshelwood, Kaoru Mitoma – to name a few – on the medical table.

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However, in better news, Billy Gilmour will make his return to the starting line-up on Thursday night after missing the last two games against Wolves and Fulham. He sees out his three-match ban following his straight red card in the 1-1 draw against Everton. Gilmour has been a standout player this season for Brighton, forming a solid partnership with Pascal Gross who hasn’t been too bad either. Brighton haven’t won their two matches without the Scotsman and to make matters worse, they haven’t even scored. But he’s allowed to play in the Europa League before seeing out his last match ban on Sunday vs Nottingham Forest, which is one positive to take from a bunch of negatives recently.

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Despite Brighton’s impressive group stage display, they still come in as the underdogs for this game. Roma have a lot more European experience, something which their opponents lack. The Giallorossi won the UEFA Conference League last season and have come close in this competition too, they were runners-up in the Europa League in the 1990/91 season and more recently in 2022/23. However, Brighton do have individuals that have done it on the big stage before? Immediately you think of Billy Gilmour because of his Champions League medal, but what about our reliable right-back: Joel Veltman. The Dutchman has made 58 European appearances in his career in both the Champions League and the Europa League. He’s back from injury and therefore in contention for the game in Rome, a player with plenty of European experience who knows what’s to come from the Italian giants. Veltman said: “Roma are experienced, they have already faced this round before. But we want to silence the opposing crowd. We know we must score first on Thursday”.

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To conclude, it’s never going to be easy for Brighton against Roma, but it’s certainly not impossible. Yes the odds are stacked against De Zerbi’s side, but if they can find a way to hold on in Rome, there is definitely a chance for an upset at the Amex in the second leg. One thing to remember Brighton fans: ENJOY IT! From Goldstone to Gillingham to Withdean to Falmer, it’s been one hell of a journey. European football wasn’t meant for a club like Brighton, a small club in Sussex who a few years ago were buzzing to come 17th and get to see another year of Premier League football. It’s been a remarkable rise and one we want to continue of course, but don’t forget where we have come from and what’s been achieved already. The best part of the Brighton story is yet to be written – for now, the adventure continues.

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Written by Isabelle Newnham