Rutter scores twice as Brighton win big and go top in Conference League

Match report as Brighton thrash Kauno Zalgris to get off to flying start in Conference League; Georginio Rutter scores two and gets an assist, with Jack Hinshelwood and Matt O’Riley also on target for Fabian Hurzeler’s side who go top of the standings

Georginio Rutter scored twice and set up one as Brighton thrashed Kauno Zalgris 4-0 to get their Conference League campaign off to a winning start.

Brighton were dominant from the first whistle to the last against the Lithuanian Cup winners and took the lead through Rutter, but only after a VAR check. The ball had initially been deemed to have gone out of play before Ibrahim Osman's cut-back to the Frenchman, but the goal was awarded after review.

Rutter then turned provider as Brighton doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time when Hinshelwood - returning to the side for the first time since the Premier League opening weekend - slotted into the corner.

The third came after a lung-bursting run from Malick Yalcouye, who played Osman through to cross for Rutter to turn into the net with ease.

Matt O'Riley made it four with a header as he scored his first Brighton goal since August 2025. The Australia international should have got his second with another header late on, but was denied by an excellent save from Tomas Svedkauskas.

It is now five straight wins in all competitions for Fabian Hurzeler's side who host rivals Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.

"A convincing win for Fabian Hurzeler's side as they kick off the club's second chapter in Europe in style. The fans around the stadium are already confident of a strong run in this competition, chanting 'we're going to go to Istanbul'.

"The Brighton boss joined his team in applauding this evening's home support. He said that their energy would be crucial in making the Amex a fortress for the opposition this season.

"It's five wins in a row in all competitions for the Seagulls. They were already the favourites to win the Conference League and their dominant performance this evening will only drive that narrative."

3: CLOSE! Costinha heads over from six yards out! Excellent early opportunity for Brighton.

14: SAVE! Gross shoots from the free-kick, but his effort is tipped over by the goalkeeper!

32: CLOSE! Dunk whips a shot at goal from distance that goes just over and lands on the roof of the net!

35: SAVE! Gross with an excellent delivery from the right for Hinshelwood who heads into the ground forcing the goalkeeper to make an acrobatic one-handed save.