Remember the day: 9th November 2023, the day Brighton conquered Amsterdam, writes Ryan Adsett.

2,600 Albion fans travelled to the Netherlands for an incredible spectacle at the Johan Cruyff Arena; not to mention the ultimate takeover of Seagulls supporters.

Only a year or two ago, a trip abroad would’ve only been in the wildest dreams of any supporter, but to witness such performances and goals, it defies belief. Pubs and bars filled in the city from early in the Dutch capital. Dam Square never looked so good.

As an honest fan writing this, to emphasise a moment like this within the club’s history needs no further introduction. Sitting in the press area, watching Roberto De Zerbi ball, or ‘Dezerbismo’, a real moment of how far we have come as a football club hits home.

After a tough start, Ansu Fati eased the nerves early on; and set up Simon Adingra to an early second-half goal. Clinical, a word so often missing in recent years. A huge improvement late in the first half was capitalised on, and allowed an extra breathing space for us fans. Ajax hit *both* posts in the 74th minute, hearts in mouths, we’ve been here before. The difference is, things have changed. This isn’t the same old Brighton that used to be; this is the Brighton of 2023, sometimes things really are written in the stars.

One of the biggest, and most enriched football arenas hosting my ‘local team’, which used to be written off so often in the past is part of one of the footballing great stories. Not so long ago, Albion would so often struggle in big moments, particularly away from home. In the history of the club, there are not many times when Brighton fans have truly been able to celebrate on the largest scale, a total contrast from the past.

In the second half, Albion turned up the heat, grew into the game and proved their worth. ‘Good old Sussex By the Sea’ ringing in the background was incredible, and a total full circle of emotions that fans lapped up from the terraces to the bar.

Ajax had big moments too. Late in the second half, Igor put his body on the line, and Bart Verbruggen made big saves. Not for the first time this season, Albion dug deep. Types of moments that show the passion of players, types of flashes in big games that fans love. Even from the press area, well and truly on the edge-of-the-seat stuff.

The trip around Amsterdam has been truly a memorable one, not only for myself but one that will sit in the history books of the football club for years to come.