Sunderland and Bournemouth draw AC Milan in Europa League

What the report says

Sunderland and Bournemouth have both been drawn against AC Milan in the Europa League league phase, with Sunderland set for a notable return to European competition and a visit to the San Siro. BBC Sport says Sunderland’s match in Italy will be part of their eight group-stage fixtures, and it comes as the club prepares for its first European campaign since 1973. The draw also reflects Sunderland’s recent rise back into the Premier League, after they finished seventh last season.

Bournemouth, who are qualifying for European football for the first time, will host AC Milan and also face Spanish side Real Sociedad among their eight matches. The article notes that both clubs now know the full shape of their league-phase schedules, which will determine whether they progress deeper into the competition.

BBC Sport also reported draws for other British sides. Crystal Palace, last season’s Conference League winners, were paired with Lyon, Real Sociedad and Besiktas in the Europa League league phase. Celtic, having dropped into the Europa League after a Champions League play-off setback, will face Marseille, Benfica and Besiktas.

In the Conference League, Brighton will play Monaco and Getafe, while Hearts were also drawn against Monaco and will travel to Trabzonspor. These fixtures underline the wider spread of British clubs across UEFA’s second- and third-tier competitions this season.