Rutter Double Fires Brighton to 4-0 Win Over Kauno Žalgiris in Conference League Opener
Brighton began their Conference League campaign in style, beating Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris 4-0 at the American Express Stadium on Thursday, October 15, in round one of the league phase. Georginio Rutter scored twice and set up another goal, and Brighton go top of the standings after the first round of matches.
Fabian Hürzeler's side were on top from the first whistle against the Lithuanian Cup winners, who were meeting Brighton for the first time. The breakthrough came in the 41st minute. Ibrahim Osman cut the ball back and Rutter tucked it away with a composed finish. A flag went up to signal that the ball had gone over the byline before the cutback, but a VAR check showed otherwise and the goal stood.
Brighton doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time. Rutter showed neat footwork and crossed low for Jack Hinshelwood, who finished left-footed across the goalkeeper. It was a welcome return for the midfielder, who was back in the side for the first time since the opening weekend of the Premier League season after nearly two months out with an ankle injury.
Rutter scored his second in the 53rd minute. Malick Yalcouyé played a superb through pass, and Osman unselfishly passed inside to Rutter, who pointed to Osman in thanks after scoring. Rutter was involved in each of the first three goals, and he was named Player of the Match.
The fourth came in the 67th minute. Matt O'Riley headed in from a Younes Ibrahim assist, his first goal for Brighton since August 2025. He was denied another goal later by a fine save from visiting goalkeeper Tomas Švedkauskas.
Hürzeler had challenged his players to be more ruthless in Europe, and they delivered a clean sheet and four goals. The win continues a superb start to the season for Brighton, who have now scored 29 goals in 10 games in all competitions in 2026-27. It is only their second ever European campaign. They arrived on the back of a 2-0 win at Sunderland in the Premier League.