Brighton 1–1 Fulham
O’Riley (64′ pen) | Muniz (90+6’)
Amex Stadium, Brighton
Brighton were minutes away from a hard-fought opening-day win, but Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz had other plans. The Brazilian striker struck in the 96th minute to snatch a dramatic 1-1 draw at the Amex, silencing the home crowd and salvaging a point for Marco Silva’s side.
It was a cruel blow for Brighton, who looked to have done just enough after Matt O’Riley converted a second-half penalty to put the Seagulls ahead. But a lapse in focus deep into stoppage time allowed Muniz to pounce on a loose ball in the box and smash home the equalizer with virtually the last kick of the game.
Brighton Dominate but Fail to Finish
The first half was cagey, with both sides struggling to create clear openings. Brighton looked the more composed in possession, but missed chances — including a free header from Kaoru Mitoma — hinted at the wastefulness that would come back to haunt them.
Fulham, meanwhile, offered little going forward, but defended in numbers and tried to frustrate the hosts.
The breakthrough came on 64 minutes, when Carlos Rutter was tripped by Sander Berge in the penalty area. Referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot, and O’Riley calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner — his first goal since joining from Celtic this summer.
Muniz Steals the Spotlight
Just when it looked like Brighton would begin their season with three points, Fulham mounted a last-gasp push. In the sixth minute of added time, a hopeful ball into the box wasn’t dealt with by Brighton’s defence. It fell to Rodrigo Muniz, who took a touch and rifled it past Bart Verbruggen to send the travelling fans into raptures.
For Muniz, it was the kind of moment that could cement his place in Fulham’s first team — and for Silva, it offered a glimpse of his side’s fighting spirit.
Post-Match Reaction
Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi was visibly frustrated at full-time, lamenting his side’s inability to kill the game off:
“We played well in phases and controlled the second half, but if you don’t take your chances and manage the final minutes, this is what can happen. It’s two points lost.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva, on the other hand, was thrilled with his side’s persistence:
“We showed character. It wasn’t our best performance, but to score in the last seconds shows what this team is about.”
Key Moments:
- 64’ – Penalty for Brighton: Rutter is tripped by Berge; O’Riley scores confidently.
- 90+6’ – GOAL Fulham: Brighton fail to clear and Muniz smashes home the equalizer.
Player of the Match: Matt O’Riley (Brighton)
Assured in midfield, scored his penalty with composure, and kept Brighton ticking throughout. A promising debut.
What’s Next?
- Brighton travel to Bournemouth next weekend looking to build on their performance.
- Fulham host Brentford at Craven Cottage, buoyed by their late escape.