The Premier League side took on Lithuanian side Kauno Zalgiris last night and ran out comfortable 4-0 winners.

O'Riley was handed a rare start as manager Fabian Hurzeler rotated his side for the midweek clash in between EPL games against Sunderand and Crystal Palace. The former Celtic man played on the right of a front three.

And he grabbed his first goal since August 2025. Having just missed a chance, Brighton recycled the ball and Youbes Ibrahim delivered an inviting cross which was begging for O'Riley to head it home - and he did.

The 25-year-old has had just ten minutes of league action this season, in subs appearances against Coventry and Arsenal.

It looks like European football could provide him with the opportunity for minutes and he will hope to keep staking his claim with moments like last night.

What a header from Matt O’Riley 👏 He grabs Brighton's fourth ✨ 📺 Stream now on TNT Sports & HBO Max https://t.co/vDPXVVejGT

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) October 15, 2026

O'Riley moved from Celtic to the Seagulls in a record-equalling £25million move, after impressing in the Scottish Premiership.

He was expected to take the Premier League by storm but a slightly underwhelming first season resulted in him heading to Marseille on loan, before returning to Brighton in January.