Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers / UEFA / Getty Images
Sunderland, Bournemouth Handed Glamour AC Milan Ties in Europa League Draw

Premier League sides Sunderland and Bournemouth have both been handed blockbuster fixtures against seven-time European champions AC Milan following Friday’s UEFA Europa League league-phase draw in Monaco.

Sunderland will travel to the iconic San Siro to face Milan as part of their long-awaited return to Europe – their first European campaign since 1973. The Black Cats, who finished seventh in the Premier League last season, will play eight league-phase matches.

Bournemouth will also face Milan, but the Cherries will host the Italian giants at home. It is a historic moment for the south coast club, who will be competing in European football for the very first time after a strong Premier League finish.

Elsewhere, last season’s Conference League winners Crystal Palace face arguably the toughest draw among the English clubs. The Eagles, who are playing in the Europa League for the first time after being demoted last July over multi-club ownership issues, will face Lyon, Real Sociedad and Besiktas among their eight opponents.

Scottish champions Celtic, who dropped into the Europa League after losing their Champions League play-off against LASK, also learned their fate in the draw.

The Europa League league phase will run from September 2026 to January 2027, with each team playing eight matches – four home and four away.
SOURCE CREDIT CARD