Lewis Dunk hailed a massive night for Brighton as Roberto De Zerbi's men booked their place in the knockout phase of the Europa League. 

The Seagulls were far from their best but Joao Pedro's 55th-minute penalty was enough to see off AEK Athens and ensure progression from Group B. 

Brighton will still need a positive result from their final game against second-placed Marseille next month to finish top but Dunk could not hide his delight at full-time. 

The club captain, 32, said: "It's massive. You saw with the celebrations at the end what it means. It's a historic day for the football club. 

"We came into this tournament to qualify from the group and we've done that tonight. 

"It wasn't the prettiest of performances but sometimes you've got to win like that. It's all credit to us. 

"We've still got to win the next game to top the group. That's our next aim in this competition. 

"We want to win it and you've got to dream big to achieve it. We're going to set our sights on reaching the final and winning it."

De Zerbi handed a European debut to midfielder Jack Hinshelwood, who was deployed in the unfamiliar role of left-back. 

And the teenager relished going into the lion's den in Greece. He said: "It was tough. The home fans make some noise and it feels like a cauldron in there. 

"But we've dug in and got the result in the end. It's massive for the club.

"The manager shows faith in all the young lads and trusts us all to go out there and get the job done."