Brighton made a flying start to their UEFA Conference League campaign on Thursday, cruising to a 4-0 victory over Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris, while Ligue 1 leaders Monaco secured a 2-1 win away to CSKA Sofia
Georginio Rutter opened the scoring late in the first half at the Amex Stadium, converting a cutback from Ibrahim Osman. The goal was awarded following a VAR review after the Ghanaian forward appeared to keep the ball in play.
Rutter then turned provider, setting up Jack Hinshelwood for Brighton’s second on the stroke of half-time before completing his brace in the 53rd minute.
Matt O’Riley rounded off the emphatic victory with a header, scoring his first goal in more than a year as the Seagulls extended their winning streak in all competitions to five matches.
Brighton secured their place in the league phase with a 4-0 victory over Norwegian side Tromso in the play-off round in August. Their previous European campaign saw them reach the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League in the 2023-24 season.
The English club are among the favourites to win the Conference League and will aim to become the third English side to lift the trophy in as many years, following Chelsea and Crystal Palace. West Ham United also won the competition in 2023.
Elsewhere, in-form striker Paris Brunner continued his impressive run, scoring for the seventh time in eight matches as Monaco claimed victory in Bulgaria.
The Germany Under-21 international gave the visitors an early lead before Ansu Fati doubled their advantage ahead of half-time. CSKA Sofia reduced the deficit through Dutch forward Joel Zwarts, but Monaco held on to secure all three points.
Four-time European champions Ajax suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Hajduk Split, while Atalanta recorded a comfortable 3-1 win over Pafos.
Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah also found the net in Trabzonspor’s 4-2 away victory over Finnish side KuPS Kuopio.
Meanwhile, Freiburg, last season’s Europa League runners-up and surprise leaders of the Bundesliga this term, maintained their strong form with a 3-2 win over Czech opponents Jablonec. Hearts, on the other hand, were held to a 1-1 draw by Danish side Nordsjaelland.
AFP
