Europa League: Sunderland Make History as Benfica Shock Milan — All Wednesday Results

The Europa League returned with a dramatic opening night as Sunderland celebrated their long-awaited return to European football with a 1–0 victory over AZ Alkmaar, while Benfica produced one of the night's biggest statements by defeating AC Milan 2–0 at San Siro.

Nine matches were played on Wednesday as the 2026/27 league phase got underway, with Lyon, Bayer Leverkusen and Olympiacos also beginning their campaigns with victories.

Here's how the action unfolded.

Sunderland's European Return Ends in Victory

Sunderland's return to European football after more than five decades ended with a memorable night at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats defeated AZ Alkmaar 1–0, with Enzo Le Fée converting a second-half penalty to settle a fiercely contested encounter.

Le Fée had already gone close before the decisive moment, but his biggest contribution came in the 65th minute when he stepped up from the spot and found the corner.

AZ pushed for an equaliser late on, but Sunderland's defence held firm.

The result gave Sunderland three points on their return to European competition and provided an emotional reward for supporters who have followed the club through its difficult years.

Benfica Silence San Siro

AC Milan suffered a difficult start to their European campaign as Benfica secured a 2–0 victory in Italy.

Dodi Lukébakio opened the scoring in the first half before Jakub Kaminski doubled Benfica's advantage after the break.

Milan attempted to respond but struggled to turn possession into clear opportunities, leaving Benfica to complete an impressive away victory.

For Milan, it was a night of frustration. For Benfica, it was an early indication that they intend to make their presence felt in the league phase.

Lyon Survive Anderlecht Fightback

Lyon looked comfortable after taking a 2–0 lead at Anderlecht through Noah Nartey and Keito Nakamura.

But the Belgian side refused to go quietly.

Mihajlo Cvetkovic pulled one back in the second half and Anderlecht applied significant pressure as they searched for an equaliser.

Lyon eventually held on to secure a 2–1 victory and leave Belgium with three points.

Leverkusen Begin With Home Win

Bayer Leverkusen also made a winning start, defeating Celje 2–0.

An own goal from Svit Seslar gave Leverkusen the lead in the 15th minute before Facundo Medina added a second in the 74th minute.

The German side created opportunities to make the scoreline more convincing but ultimately had to settle for two goals and a clean sheet.

Olympiacos Leave It Late

Olympiacos had to come from behind before defeating Jagiellonia 2–1.

Jagiellonia took the lead through Kajetan Szmyt, but the Greek side responded before Roman Yaremchuk completed the comeback with a late winner.

It was an important start for new Olympiacos boss Imanol Alguacil, who saw his team claim all three points after being forced to chase the match.

Two Goalless Draws

There was little to separate Sturm Graz and Rennes, who finished 0–0.

The same scoreline was recorded between Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Dinamo Zagreb, giving both matches a share of the points.

Meanwhile, Omonia Nicosia defeated Celta Vigo 1–0, with the decisive goal arriving late to give the Cypriot side a dramatic opening-night victory.

The other early fixture saw Sparta Prague defeat Ararat-Armenia 4–1, giving the Czech side one of the most convincing wins of the opening night.

Wednesday's Europa League Results

●Ararat-Armenia 1–4 Sparta Prague

●Omonia Nicosia 1–0 Celta Vigo

●AC Milan 0–2 Benfica

●Bayer Leverkusen 2–0 Celje

●Anderlecht 1–2 Lyon

●Olympiacos 2–1 Jagiellonia

●Sturm Graz 0–0 Rennes

●Hapoel Be'er Sheva 0–0 Dinamo Zagreb

●Sunderland 1–0 AZ Alkmaar

The 2026/27 Europa League league phase continues on Thursday, with Crystal Palace, Juventus, Celtic, Bournemouth and Real Sociedad among the teams entering the competition.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Which result stood out most on Europa League opening night?

🔥 Fire: Sunderland winning on their long-awaited European return.

😲 Shock: Benfica beating Milan 2–0 at San Siro.

👍 Like: Enzo Le Fée's decisive penalty for Sunderland.

💬 Comment: Which team impressed you most on Matchday 1?