Georginio Rutter scored twice and set up another as Brighton thrashed Kauno Zalgiris 4-0 to open their Conference League campaign with a winning start.
Brighton were dominant from first whistle to last against the Lithuanian Cup winners. Rutter took the lead only after a VAR check, with the ball initially ruled out of play before Ibrahim Osman's cut-back reached the Frenchman and the goal was awarded following review.
Rutter then turned provider as Hinshelwood, returning to the side for the first time since the Premier League opening weekend, slotted into the corner to double the lead on the stroke of half-time. The third came after a lung-bursting run from Malick Yalcouye, who played Osman through to cross for Rutter to finish with ease.
Matt O'Riley made it four with a header, his first Brighton goal since August 2025. The Australia international should have added another 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 Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Sunday.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing