In a dominant display, Brighton, nicknamed "The Seagulls" from the English Premier League, hosted and defeated Lithuania's Kauno Žalgiris 4-0 in the first match of the 2026-27 UEFA Conference League group stage.
1-0 Georginio Rutter scored in the 41st minute.
2-0 Jack Hinshelwood scored in the 45+3rd minute.
3-0 Georginio Rutter scored again in the 53rd minute.
4-0 Matt O'Reilly scored in the 67th minute.
With this victory, Brighton started the Conference League with 3 points and climbed to the top of the group standings, holding the best goal difference among teams with equal points. Meanwhile, Kauno Žalgiris stands at 36th place.