Hinshelwood back on the scoresheet in comfortable opening win

Brighton began their Conference League campaign with a dominant 4-0 win over Kauno Zalgiris at the Amex Stadium, with Jack Hinshelwood getting on the scoresheet on his return from injury.

Participating in European competition for only the second time, Brighton broke the deadlock through Georginio Rutter in the 41st minute. Rutter then turned provider, setting up Hinshelwood before half-time. The Frenchman scored again after the break, and Matt O'Riley wrapped up the result.

Dominant display under Hurzeler

It was as dominant a performance as Fabian Hurzeler could have hoped for. Brighton produced 4.02 expected goals (xG) from 35 shots, while restricting their opponents to just 0.04 xG from four attempts. In-form midfielder Pascal Gross created nine chances, the most by a player for a Premier League side since Martin Odegaard created 10 for Arsenal against Manchester United in January 2025.

Brighton have also been prolific this season. Only Barcelona (43) and Bayern Munich (30) have scored more goals in all competitions than Brighton (29) among clubs in Europe's big-five leagues, according to the source data.

Hinshelwood relieved to be back

Hinshelwood was glad to return after an ankle injury that had hampered his start to the campaign. "It's nice to just be back with the boys," he told TNT Sports. "They have been on such a good run, and I have really missed it out there, so to be back out there tonight, fighting for this badge which I love doing is the main thing tonight.

"Fair play to Kauno Zalgiris, they came and made it difficult for us. We had to stay patient and I think we did that well. Georginio with a great goal and then to set me up as well he done really well. I think it was a really professional performance, we had to work for it, but it was a job well done."

Praise for debutant Ibrahim

Brighton's fourth goal was assisted by 18-year-old debutant Younes Ibrahim, who came on to make his first appearance and earned high praise from Hinshelwood. "Shout out to Younes for coming on for his debut," he added. "He has been training really well and he deserved it. He has a good attitude and is a good lad."