Bournemouth claim historic win over Amorim’s Milan

Bournemouth claimed a historic win over Ruben Amorim’s Milan, who were reduced to 10 after captain Mike Maignan was sent off. In a turbulent first half, the English side converted two penalties before Amine Adli completed the victory with a free-kick.

The game turned when Maignan was dismissed for pushing Tyler Adams in the face as Bournemouth prepared to take a corner. The goalkeeper shoved Adams with both hands in a first half made especially chaotic by the rain and the disorder on the pitch.

Bournemouth had already been awarded a penalty after Koni De Winter handled the ball, and Justin Kluivert converted it. Maignan’s sending-off was followed by a second penalty for the home side, which Marcus Tavernier scored. After a video review and a spell of confusion, Bournemouth had extended their lead from the spot.

Another set-piece brought the third goal. Substitute Adli curled his free-kick over the Milan wall, which broke apart. The forward capped a memorable night for Bournemouth against one of European football’s best-known names, although the Milan side managed by Amorim is not at the level of the teams that made its reputation. Bournemouth nevertheless savoured a victory over an opponent the club could scarcely have imagined facing for much of its history.

Before kick-off, a Bournemouth supporters’ banner asked: «How did we end up here?» At full-time, the fans turned their chants towards Amorim. He has still not beaten Bournemouth in five attempts.

The win extends a positive spell for Bournemouth. Sky Sports reports that the team had earned its first Premier League victory of the season against 10-man Sunderland the previous weekend. The outlet also says Bournemouth sit third in the Europa League after three matches, with a perfect record.

The result carries particular weight given the club’s journey. Fifteen years to the day before this fixture, Bournemouth had lost at home to Bury in the third tier of English football. The club, now in the Premier League, is playing its first European campaign. Against a Milan side with seven European titles, this victory gives that adventure a new dimension.