Europa League minnows AEK Athens believe they were under-estimated by Brighton this week.

The Greeks were able to come up with an impressive 3-2 win over the Premier League high flyers on Thursday.

AEK head coach Matias Almeyda was delighted at the work of his players, indicating that Brighton may not have expected them to play so well.

Post-game, Almeyda said: “This team is characterized 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."