Sport · World News Bureau
Bournemouth, Sunderland drawn with AC Milan in Europa League
English clubs Bournemouth and Sunderland secured high-profile matchups against Italian giants AC Milan following the UEFA Europa League league phase draw. The draw also determined pairings across the Conference League.
LSN World News ·
Bournemouth and Sunderland will face AC Milan in the Europa League's new league phase format, according to results of the draw conducted Thursday. The fixtures represent significant tests for both English clubs against one of Europe's most decorated sides.
The draw marked a shift in UEFA's competition structure, introducing a league phase system that replaces the traditional group stage format. Teams will compete against multiple opponents in a round-robin configuration before the knockout rounds commence.
AC Milan's inclusion in the Europa League, rather than the Champions League, reflects their domestic performance in Serie A. The Italian club will present formidable opposition for both Bournemouth and Sunderland as they navigate the expanded competition.
The Conference League draw also took place alongside the Europa League proceedings, determining the third-tier European competition's pairings. The new format aims to increase competitive balance and provide more matches for participating clubs across the season.