Bournemouth produced an impressive performance to defeat seven-time European champions AC Milan 3–0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday night, October 22, 2026, while Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen and Hoffenheim also recorded victories.
The English side maintained their perfect start to the competition with a commanding display at the Vitality Stadium, capitalising on Milan’s first-half disciplinary problems to secure their third consecutive win.
Justin Kluivert opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the eighth minute after Koni De Winter was penalised for handball.
Milan’s difficulties increased in the 27th minute when goalkeeper and captain Mike Maignan received a red card for pushing Bournemouth midfielder Tyler Adams in the face during a corner-kick situation.
Marcus Tavernier converted the resulting penalty in the 32nd minute to double Bournemouth’s advantage before substitute Amine Adli completed the victory with a superb free-kick in the 84th minute.
The result extended Bournemouth’s winning run in the competition following earlier victories over Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz.
Elsewhere, Benfica secured a convincing 4–1 away victory over Omonia Nicosia, while Bayer Leverkusen defeated OFI Crete 2–0 to maintain their strong start to the campaign.
Hoffenheim also recorded a 3–0 victory over Lyon, while Real Sociedad delivered one of the night’s most emphatic results with a 6–0 win over Lillestrøm.
Juventus were held to a 2–2 draw by Rennes after both sides shared the goals in an entertaining encounter. The result represented Juventus’ first dropped points in the competition.
Crystal Palace were held to a 2–2 draw by Beşiktaş, while Celta Vigo defeated Celtic 2–1 in Glasgow.
Other results saw Anderlecht beat Jagiellonia Białystok 3–0, AZ Alkmaar defeat Ararat-Armenia 4–0 and Olympiacos overcome Sparta Prague 1–0.
Ferencváros defeated Torreense 4–1, while NEC Nijmegen secured a 4–2 victory over Dinamo Zagreb. Lech Poznań and Sunderland played out a 1–1 draw, while Sturm Graz edged Marseille 1–0.
Union Saint-Gilloise recorded a 4–0 victory over Hapoel Beer-Sheva, Viktoria Plzeň lost 1–2 to Levski Sofia, and Celje drew 2–2 with Salzburg.
The results highlighted an eventful Matchday Three of the Europa League league phase, with several clubs strengthening their positions as the competition progresses.
