Benfica Stun Milan, Sunderland Mark European Return With Win Over AZ Alkmaar

The Europa League league phase kicked off with Benfica claiming a historic first-ever win over AC Milan, beating the Italian giants 2-0 at the San Siro, while Sunderland marked a triumphant return to European football with victory over AZ Alkmaar.

Dodi Lukebakio cut inside from the right to fire Benfica ahead in the 16th minute, before Jakub Kaminski doubled the lead early in the second half, sealing a result Marco Silva's side had never previously managed against Milan in seven attempts. Sunderland, playing their first European match since 1973, edged past AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at a raucous Stadium of Light, with Enzo Le Fee converting a second-half penalty to seal the historic win.

Elsewhere, Bayer Leverkusen beat Slovenian champions Celje 2-0, with Celje's Svit Seslar turning into his own net before Facundo Medina wrapped up the points late on. Olympiacos came from behind to beat Jagiellonia 2-1, Sparta Praha thrashed Ararat-Armenia 4-1, and Lyon won 2-1 at Anderlecht, rounding out a busy opening night across the competition's new 36-team format.