Editorial | 16 August 2025 | American Express Stadium
The Premier League 2025/26 season kicked off with a thrilling clash as Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. in EPL 2025/2026 unfolded at the American Express Stadium on Saturday, 16 August 2025. Brighton, under Fabian Hürzeler, looked set to continue their reputation as fast starters when Matt O’Riley’s penalty put them ahead in the second half. However, Fulham, led by Marco Silva, showed resilience, with Rodrigo Muniz striking deep into stoppage time to secure a dramatic 1-1 draw.
This match not only marked Fulham’s 1,000th conceded goal in Premier League history but also highlighted Brighton’s attacking dominance and Fulham’s persistence in the face of adversity.
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Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Head-to-Head
- Total EPL Meetings (before this match): 14
- Brighton wins: 4
- Fulham wins: 4
- Draws: 6
- Goals scored by Brighton: 15
- Goals scored by Fulham: 16
The fixture has always been evenly matched, and once again, Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. in EPL 2025/2026 proved no different — another tight contest ending in a draw.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Lineups
Brighton & Hove Albion (4-2-3-1)
Manager: Fabian Hürzeler
Starting XI:
- Bart Verbruggen (GK)
- Mats Wieffer
- Jan Paul van Hecke (C)
- Lewis Dunk
- Maxim De Cuyper (69’)
- Carlos Baleba (69’)
- Yasin Ayari (69’)
- Yankuba Minteh (88’)
- Matt O’Riley (83’)
- Kaoru Mitoma (69’)
- Georginio Rutter (69’)
Substitutes:
- Danny Welbeck (69’)
- James Milner (88’)
- Brajan Gruda (83’)
- Ferdi Kadioglu (69’)
- Diego Gómez (69’)
- Jason Steele
- Olivier Boscagli
- Joël Veltman
- Diego Coppola
Fulham (4-2-3-1)
Manager: Marco Silva
Starting XI:
- Bernd Leno (GK)
- Kenny Tete
- Joachim Andersen (84’)
- Jorge Cuenca (84’)
- Calvin Bassey
- Sasa Lukić (66’)
- Sander Berge (66’)
- Harry Wilson (77’)
- Josh King (66’)
- Alex Iwobi (66’)
- Raúl Jiménez (66’)
Substitutes:
- Rodrigo Muniz (66’) – ⚽ 90+6’
- Tom Cairney (66’)
- Adama Traoré (66’)
- Emile Smith Rowe (77’)
- Timothy Castagne (84’)
- Andreas Pereira
- Harrison Reed
- Issa Diop
- Benjamin Lecomte
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Match Summary
First Half (0-0)
The opening half saw both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Brighton dominated possession, but Fulham held their shape defensively. Mitoma headed narrowly over in the 28th minute, while Wilson wasted a similar chance at the other end. Bart Verbruggen denied Josh King with a smart stop. The half ended goalless with Brighton edging possession but unable to capitalize.
Second Half (1-1)
Brighton came out stronger after the break. In the 55th minute, Matt O’Riley converted from the penalty spot after Sander Berge fouled Georginio Rutter inside the area. The Seagulls pressed for a second, with Minteh and Dunk both going close.
However, Fulham refused to surrender. Deep into stoppage time, Tom Cairney’s corner deflected toward Muniz, who smashed home with his left foot in the 96th minute, sending the away fans into raptures. The referee blew the whistle shortly after, sealing a 1-1 draw in Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. in EPL 2025/2026.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Stats
| Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Stats | Brighton | Fulham |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 50.1% | 49.9% |
| Expected Goals (xG) | 1.54 | 0.69 |
| Total Shots | 10 | 7 |
| Shots on Target | 4 | 1 |
| Corners | 3 | 1 |
| Saves | 1 | 3 |
| Fouls | 16 | 15 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
| Offsides | 3 | 2 |
| Distance Covered | 110.79 km | 107.73 km |
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Timeline & Key Commentary
- 28’ – Mitoma heads over the bar from O’Riley’s cross.
- 43’ – Wilson’s header for Fulham goes narrowly over.
- 45’ – HT: Brighton 0-0 Fulham.
- 53’ – PENALTY to Brighton! Berge fouls Rutter.
- 55’ – ⚽ Goal! O’Riley sends Leno the wrong way. Brighton 1-0 Fulham.
- 65’ – Minteh fires high from a quick break.
- 78’ – Gómez’s long-range strike saved by Leno.
- 87’ – Dunk’s header goes agonizingly wide.
- 90+6’ – ⚽ GOAL! Muniz finishes brilliantly from Cairney’s corner. Brighton 1-1 Fulham.
- 90+7’ – Muniz booked for excessive celebration.
- FT – Brighton & Hove Albion 1-1 Fulham.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Impact on Points Table
After Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. in EPL 2025/2026, both teams earned a point:
- Brighton & Hove Albion: 4th place, 1 point (GD: 0)
- Fulham: 5th place, 1 point (GD: 0)
The draw sees Brighton miss out on extending their record of opening-day victories, while Fulham avoided a disappointing defeat thanks to Muniz’s heroics.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Player Achievements
- Matt O’Riley: Scored his first Brighton goal on debut.
- Rodrigo Muniz: Delivered Fulham’s lifeline with a last-gasp equalizer, proving his importance amid transfer speculation.
- James Milner: Made his 639th Premier League appearance, continuing his remarkable longevity.
Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Man of the Match
Rodrigo Muniz (Fulham): For his late equalizer and match-saving contribution, Muniz takes the honors.
FAQs
Q1: Who scored in Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. in EPL 2025/2026?
A: Matt O’Riley (55’, Brighton) and Rodrigo Muniz (90+6’, Fulham).
Q2: Why was Rodrigo Muniz booked after scoring in the Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. match?
A: He was shown a yellow card for excessive celebration after his equalizer.
Q3: What was the key turning point of the Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. match?
A: Sander Berge conceding a penalty early in the second half, followed by Muniz’s stoppage-time strike.
Q4: How did Brighton perform overall?
A: Brighton dominated possession and chances but failed to kill the game, ultimately punished by Fulham’s late goal.
Q5: What’s next for both teams?
A: Brighton face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, while Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage.
The Brighton & Hove Albion F.C. vs Fulham F.C. in EPL 2025/2026 clash ended as a dramatic 1-1 draw, showcasing Brighton’s attacking flair and Fulham’s never-say-die spirit. While O’Riley’s penalty seemed enough for the hosts, Muniz’s late strike proved once again that Premier League football thrives on drama until the final whistle. Both teams walk away with a point, but Brighton will feel this was an opportunity missed, while Fulham celebrate salvaging something from a difficult away fixture.
