Europa League draw sends Sunderland to San Siro, Bournemouth host Milan
Sunderland will play AC Milan away in their first European campaign since 1973, while Bournemouth will host the Italian side. The Cherries also drew Real Sociedad among their eight league-phase fixtures. Crystal Palace, last season's Conference League winners, will face Lyon, Real Sociedad and Besiktas.
Sunderland’s return to continental competition comes more than five decades after their last European outing, with the San Siro trip marking a marquee fixture in their eight-game league phase. Bournemouth, making their European debut, also face Milan at home and travel to Real Sociedad, while Crystal Palace—fresh off a Conference League title—meet Lyon, Sociedad, and Besiktas. Celtic, dropped from the Champions League after a dramatic collapse against LASK, now face Marseille, Benfica, and Besiktas. In the Conference League, Brighton host Monaco and travel to Getafe, while Hearts also draw Monaco and visit Trabzonspor.
These draws could reshape fan engagement and club finances across English football, as smaller sides like Sunderland and Bournemouth gain rare European exposure that may boost season-ticket sales, merchandise, and local tourism. For supporters, away days at iconic venues like the San Siro offer once-in-a-generation experiences, but added fixture congestion may strain squad depth and player welfare. The results could also influence Premier League competitiveness, as mid-table clubs balance domestic and continental demands.