Brighton & Hove Albion fans had a remarkable experience in their first ever away game in the Europa League, as they travelled to Marseille by plane, train and automobile. The Seagulls came close to pulling off a stunning upset against the French giants, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw at the Stade Velodrome.
A historic occasion for the Albion
The match was a historic occasion for the Albion, who had never played in a European competition before this season. They qualified for the Europa League by finishing seventh in the Premier League last season, and were drawn in a tough group with Marseille, Lazio and Galatasaray.
The Seagulls had already beaten Lazio 3-1 at home in their opening game, and were looking to continue their impressive form against Marseille, who had reached the final of the competition in 2018. The Albion fans were eager to witness this momentous event, and many of them travelled to France by various means.
A challenging journey for some fans
Some fans flew from Heathrow to Marseille on the day of the game, but faced a delay that threatened to make them miss the kick-off. Fortunately, the club’s chairman Tony Bloom organised buses to pick them up directly from the airport and take them to the stadium. He even announced this on the plane’s PA system, showing his care and concern for the supporters.
Other fans took trains or drove their cars to Marseille, making stops at other cities along the way. Some of them arrived early and explored the city, visiting landmarks such as the Basilique du Sacré-Cœur and the Old Port. However, they had to avoid certain areas that were deemed out-of-bounds by the French police, who had issued a security alert for the game.
A thrilling game at the Stade Velodrome
The game itself was a thrilling affair, with both teams playing attacking football and creating chances. Brighton took the lead in the 18th minute, when Neal Maupay scored from a cross by Tariq Lamptey. Marseille equalised in the 34th minute, when Dimitri Payet curled a free-kick into the top corner.
The second half was even more dramatic, as Brighton regained the lead in the 71st minute, when Yves Bissouma volleyed home from outside the box. However, Marseille levelled again in the 88th minute, when Arkadiusz Milik headed in from a corner.
The final whistle blew with the score at 2-2, and both teams received a standing ovation from their fans. Brighton had shown great courage and quality against a formidable opponent, and earned a valuable point in their quest to qualify for the knockout stages.
A long wait for some fans after the game
The only sour note of the trip was the long wait for some fans after the game, as they faced difficulties in getting back to their hotels or airports. The buses that were supposed to transport them were delayed or overcrowded, and some fans had to walk for miles or take taxis instead.
The club’s chief executive Paul Barber apologised for this inconvenience, and said that the club was doing everything they could to assist the fans. He also praised them for their fantastic support and behaviour throughout the trip.
The fans who made it back safely were able to reflect on an unforgettable experience, as they witnessed their team make history in Europe. They also shared their stories and photos on social media, showing their pride and joy in being part of this adventure.
