By
SABC Sport
23rd October 2026
Sunderland also maintained their unbeaten record after a 1-1 draw at Lech Poznan, as Matchday 3 produced plenty of goals and late drama across Europe.
Bournemouth 3-0 AC Milan
Bournemouth produced an impressive performance to claim their third consecutive Europa League victory, with set-piece quality helping them overcome AC Milan.
Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier scored first-half penalties to put the home side in control, with Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan sent off during a difficult opening period for the Italian club.
Bournemouth continued to threaten after the break, with Ryan Christie and Adrien Truffert going close before Amine Adli sealed the win with a superb free-kick six minutes from time.
Besiktas 2-2 Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace and Besiktas shared four goals in an entertaining contest in Istanbul, with both sides having opportunities to claim all three points.
Wilfred Ndidi put the Turkish hosts ahead just before half-time, finishing after an excellent pass from Salih Ozcan. Palace responded strongly after the interval, with Yeremy Pino equalising before Jean-Philippe Mateta fired the visitors ahead with a spectacular strike during a five-minute spell.
Besiktas refused to give up, and substitute Junior Olaitan restored parity in the 73rd minute. The hosts then had Umit Akdag sent off four minutes later, but managed to hold on for a point.
Juventus 2-2 Rennes
Juventus preserved their unbeaten start to the competition but had to settle for a draw after Rennes fought back before Nick Woltemade rescued a point for the Italian side.
Zeki Celik gave Juventus an early lead in the fifth minute after being set up by Woltemade, but Rennes responded through Musa Al-Taamari, who finished from close range in the 15th minute.
Boulaye Dia then converted a penalty to put Rennes ahead shortly before half-time. Juventus pushed for an equaliser and found it in the 66th minute when Woltemade converted from the spot to score his third goal of the campaign.
Lech Poznan 1-1 Sunderland
Sunderland missed the opportunity to claim another Europa League victory but remained unbeaten after being held by Lech Poznan in Poland.
The visitors made a flying start when 21-year-old striker Timur Tutierov headed home in the second minute after Nilson Angulo intercepted possession and created the opportunity. Sunderland threatened to extend their advantage, with Malick Fofana hitting the woodwork, while goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced several important saves to keep Lech at bay.
Lech eventually found their equaliser in the 70th minute through Leo Bengtsson's well-taken finish. Both teams pushed for a winner in the closing stages, but Roefs made further crucial stops and Chris Rigg sent a curling effort narrowly over the crossbar.
Real Sociedad, Benfica and Leverkusen impress
Real Sociedad delivered one of the night's most emphatic results, thrashing Lillestrom 6-0 away from home. Sergio Gomez and Luka Sucic both scored twice as the Spanish side dominated.
AZ Alkmaar also enjoyed a convincing away victory, beating Ararat-Armenia 4-0, with Weslley Patati scoring twice. Bayer Leverkusen defeated OFI Crete 2-0, while Benfica swept aside Omonia 4-1 and Ferencvaros beat Torreense 4-1.
Anderlecht claimed a 3-0 victory at Jagiellonia, with 17-year-old winger Jayden Onia Seke completing the scoring. Celta Vigo also secured a notable away win, beating Celtic 2-1 in Glasgow after Javi Rodriguez scored twice in four minutes.
Elsewhere, Olympiacos defeated Sparta Prague 1-0, Union SG beat Hapoel Beer-Sheva 4-0, and N.E.C. Nijmegen won 4-2 at GNK Dinamo. Levski Sofia edged Viktoria Plzen 2-1, while Salzburg drew 2-2 with Celje and Sturm Graz defeated Marseille 1-0. Hoffenheim beat Lyon 3-0.
Bournemouth, Benfica, Bayer Leverkusen, Ferencvaros and Olympiacos all moved to three wins from three matches. Leverkusen also maintained their defensive record, remaining the only team yet to concede a goal in the competition after three rounds.
