Brighton and Hove Albion opened their UEFA Conference League campaign with a comprehensive 4‑0 victory over Lithuanian Cup winners Kauno Žalgiris at the Amex Stadium. Georginio Rutter proved the match‑winner, netting twice and providing an assist, while Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also found the back of the net. The win moved the Seagulls to the top of the group standings and marked their fifth consecutive triumph across all competitions.
From the opening whistle Brighton dominated possession and created several chances. The first goal came after a VAR review when a cross from Ibrahim Osman was cut back to Rutter, who slipped past the keeper to score. Rutter then supplied a perfect pass to Hinshelwood, who headed the ball into the corner just before the break, doubling the advantage. The Dutchman added a third in the 53rd minute after a swift run by Malick Yalcouye and a well‑timed cut‑back from Osman, which Rutter converted with ease.
Matt O’Riley capped the evening with a header in the 67th minute, his first goal for Brighton since August 2025. He had a second chance late on, but a superb save by Kauno Žalgiris’ goalkeeper Tomas Svedkauskas denied him. Brighton’s defence remained solid throughout, with goalkeeper Danny Gross making several key stops, including a close-range save from a free‑kick and a dramatic one‑handed effort to deny a headed attempt from Costinha.
The result gives Brighton a perfect start to their Conference League campaign and boosts their confidence heading into the next round. With five straight wins in all competitions, the Seagulls are already considered favourites in the group, and the manager praised the home crowd’s energy, noting it would help turn the Amex into a fortress for the rest of the season. Kauno Žalgiris will now look to regroup after the defeat as they prepare for their upcoming domestic fixtures.