Roberto De Zerbi leaps into the crowd amid jubilant Brighton celebrations at the Amex following Joao Pedro’s late winner against Marseille – as Italian hails ‘historic moment’ after Seagulls qualify for Europa League last 16

• The Brighton manager led wild celebrations after Joao Pedro’s late strike
• Roberto De Zerbi praised his Brighton players after beating Marseille
• Man City MUST win before going to ‘pointless FIFA jamboree’ – It’s All Kicking Off

Roberto De Zerbi went absolutely crazy as he leapt into the stands celebrating Brighton’s late winner against Marseille in the Europa League on Thursday and hailed the result as a ‘historical moment’.

The Seagulls manager lived up to his reputation of being one of the most passionate managers on the touchline when he sprang into the stands in the dying embers of the match.

Joao Pedro snatched an 88th-winner at the Amex stadium with a thunderous shot after turning in the box and firing the ball into the top corner.

Brighton players went wild on the pitch celebrating the late goal and De Zerbi did the same on the touchline as he ran and jumped into the crowd who engulfed him a mass of limbs.

The Italian was joined by his technical team as they followed his lead while jubilant celebrations took place in every stand of the 31,800-seater stadium.

Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi jumped into the crowd as his side scored late against Marseille

Joao Pedro scored with a powerful strike in the 88th-minute to lead Brighton to victory against Marseille

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After the match, De Zerbi praised his side’s late winner and described finishing top of their Europa League group as ‘incredible’ for the club.

‘We haven’t won anything…yet, but we are really happy and proud,’ said De Zerbi.

‘I told the players before the game that the game was more important for us than them. Marseille are used to playing in European competitions.

‘To finish at the top of the table is a historical moment.

‘The atmosphere during the game was incredible. The crowd were a 12th player like I’ve never seen before,’ he added.

Brighton finished top of their Europa League group after beating Marseille at the Amex

De Zerbi hailed Brighton’s win over Marseille as a ‘historical moment’ for the club

De Zerbi was engulfed by Brighton fans and his coaching staff after jumping into the crowd

‘Joao is playing very well. He is becoming a great player in mentality – which playing for his national team has helped.

‘The qualities of Joao are clear. We want to help him become a great player,’ said the Italian.

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Goalscorer Pedro echoed similar sentiments, adding: ‘I’m very happy. These are the best moments of my life. Thank you to my team-mates, they always support me.

‘I’m very happy to be top scorer in the Europa League. To be top of the table, in the league or top scorer, you need to keep going through hard work.’

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