The city was abuzz with football fans as the Albion kicked off its Europa League campaign last night.

AEK Athens fans flocked to the King and Queen in Marlborough Place, Brighton, for their pre-match celebrations.

The Greek fans stood out in their distinctive yellow and black kit and the pub was awash with colour as they pulled out their flags, banners and scarves.

The Argus: AEK Athens fans packed out the King and QueenAEK Athens fans packed out the King and Queen (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

While they were transported up to Falmer in shuttle buses, Albion fans gathered in their favourite Brighton pubs to get ready for the game.

This historic game is their first ever Europa League match, compared to AEK Athens’ 268th.

Once the sun went down, grey clouds began to fill the sky – but Seagulls fans were in increasingly high spirits.

Supporters came from far and wide to see their club make history.

Hadrian Plonkowski, who lives in Poland, came over to Brighton especially for the game.

The Argus: Steve Long, right, fan for 30 years and says it is ‘unbelievable’ seeing Albion in Europa for first time.Steve Long, right, fan for 30 years and says it is ‘unbelievable’ seeing Albion in Europa for first time. (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

He was chatting to Steve Long, a fan for 30 years, at The Railway Bell in Surrey Street, Brighton – a fan favourite for its ease of access to the station.

Steve, like many Albion fans, still found it “unbelievable” that he was about to see Albion play in European competition for the very first time.

Brighton and Hove Albion have truly undergone a meteoric rise. Back in 1997, the team was on the brink of liquidation and relegation to the Conference, so it is no surprise that fans are so thrilled to see their club go from strength to strength.

The Argus: Pete Griffin, from Woodmancote, has been working on his scarf since 1997Pete Griffin, from Woodmancote, has been working on his scarf since 1997 (Image: Andrew Gardner/The Argus)

Pete Griffin, from Woodmancote, has stuck by the team and has been working on his scarf since 1997.

Fans began to pack out trains up to Falmer, but the city centre remained lively with people watching the game from pubs.

The Argus: Son Thomas and dad Ben Parsons queuing for a programme in the rainSon Thomas and dad Ben Parsons queuing for a programme in the rain (Image: The Argus)

The wet weather did not dampen spirits before the historic match.