Bournemouth, Sunderland draw AC Milan in Europa League group stage

Bournemouth and Sunderland, two English clubs, have been drawn to face AC Milan in the Europa League, following the draw for this season's league phase held on Friday. Bournemouth will experience European competition for the first time after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season. They will host the seven-time European champions at their home ground on the south coast of England.

This moment is significant for both clubs. Sunderland's seventh-place finish last season marks their return to European football for the first time since 1973. Fans can anticipate a trip to San Siro, where they will face the storied Italian club. In addition to AC Milan, Bournemouth will also contend with Viktoria Plzen from the Czech Republic, Sturm Graz of Austria, and Israeli champions Hapoel Beersheba in their group. Sunderland will play home matches against AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Zagreb, and Levski Sofia, as well as away games against Anderlecht and Polish clubs Jagiellonia Bialystok and Lech Poznan.

In related news, Crystal Palace, last season's UEFA Conference League winners, are also in the tournament. Coached by Pierre Sage, they will host teams such as Real Sociedad and Hoffenheim while traveling to Lyon and Istanbul to face Besiktas. Celtic, who fell to LASK of Austria in the Champions League playoffs, will compete in the Europa League against notable teams like Marseille and Benfica, among others.

Fixture dates for the league phase will be announced by UEFA over the weekend, with matches set to begin on September 16 and 17. The final will take place in Frankfurt on May 26, 2027. This season promises to be an exciting one for English teams, particularly for Bournemouth and Sunderland, who are looking to make their mark in European football.