Matias Almeyda suggested his AEK Athens side were under-estimated ahead of their game at the Amex.

The head coach said AEK had to change their way of playing at times to carve out a 3-2 win.

But he was delighted to see them beat the Seagulls.

He also highlighted the experience his side have of winning on big occasions.

Almeyda said: “This team is characterised by its fighting spirit.

“Last season we won the league and the cup and we work on team football.

“I live my life the way I manage the team.

“I like to respect people and I like them to respect us.

“We are looking to be respected in Europe and we wanted to get a result.

“There were two reporters here (at Wednesday’s press conference) and, when I said we had come to win, one of them laughed. He is not here today.

“Obviously we don’t want to be under-estimated by anyone.

“We know how good these opponents are and I said that to their manager, they play a fantastic kind of football.

“But we were up to that level.”