Kluivert and Tavernier Strike from the Spot

Bournemouth were dominant from the opening minutes. Hosting AC Milan on matchday 3 of the 2026/2027 UEFA Europa League league phase at Vitality Stadium, Friday (23/10/2026) early morning WIB, the hosts took the lead in the 8th minute: Evanilson was fouled in the box in the 6th minute, VAR confirmed the decision, and Justin Kluivert calmly converted the penalty.

Disaster struck Milan in the 27th minute. Goalkeeper Mike Maignan shoved Tyler Adams in the face with both hands as Bournemouth prepared to take a corner. Referee Vassilis Fotias immediately produced a red card and awarded a second penalty to the hosts; the decision was confirmed by VAR. Backup goalkeeper Lorenzo Torriani came on in the 32nd minute for Omari Hutchinson, but Marcus Tavernier beat him from the spot anyway. The first half ended 2-0.

Bournemouth Thrash AC Milan 3-0 in Europa League
Mike Maignan in an AC Milan shirt (illustration photo, not from the Bournemouth vs AC Milan match of 22/23 October 2026). (Photo: Reuters) (Source: Reuters via Sports24)

Maignan Sent Off for Shoving Adams

The red-card incident was the game's turning point. Adams stood directly in front of Maignan at the corner, and the goalkeeper's reaction was excessive: a two-handed shove to the face of the US international left him on the ground. Fotias had no hesitation in showing a straight red, while Adams himself was booked in the 29th minute for his role in the incident.

The match also pitted two USMNT teammates against each other: Adams started in Bournemouth's midfield, while Yunus Musah started for Milan. Christian Pulisic, the Americans' other star, began the game on the Rossoneri bench. Down to 10 men from the 27th minute, Milan were virtually unable to escape the hosts' pressure.

Adli Seals Emphatic 3-0 Win

Bournemouth did not ease off in the second half. Amine Adli, introduced in the 77th minute for Alex Tóth, scored the third goal in the 84th minute to seal the emphatic 3-0 victory. The scoreline stood until the final whistle.

The hosts' dominance was reflected clearly in the numbers: 64%-36% possession, 20 shots to 3, seven on target to none for Milan, and expected goals of 3.18 to 0.17. AC Milan left England without a single shot on target and with a costly red card — a night to forget for Ruben Amorim's side.