The Europa League kicked off midweek, with Chris Richards finding the back of the net in Crystal Palace’s big win in Poland, while Weston McKennie returned to the Juventus lineup.
Crystal Palace 4-0 Lech Poznan
Crystal Palace started their debut Europa League campaign impressively as they cruised to a win over Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park.
Chris Richards started for the Eagles as he completed 95 percent passing, won five duels, and made six defensive contributions. Zavier Gozo was not listed on the game-day roster.
The hosts opened the scoring in the 10th minute as they capitalized on a poor throw-in to get the scoring opportunity. They went on to double their lead in the 27th minute when Richards easily beat his marker to head in a corner kick from Adam Wharton.
Palace’s night got even better when the referee pointed to the spot for a penalty past the half-hour mark. Jorgen Strand Larsen successfully converted the spot kick.
The Londoners were dominant throughout the game and wrapped it all up with a fourth goal in the 89th minute.
Palace will head to France to face Lyon on October 15.
Juventus 5-0 NEC
Juventus opened their European campaign with a comfortable win over NEC at Allianz Stadium.
Weston McKennie, who recovered from a muscle injury, captained the Bianconeri and played 61 minutes, making a key pass, winning four duels, and making six defensive contributions.
The hosts scored their first goal nine minutes into the contest with a long-range pass from the goalkeeper to Nicolas Gonzalez to finish. They grabbed the second in the 24th minute when McKennie ran onto a through ball from the back and laid it on for Kerim Alajbegovic to strike.
Juventus scored a third in the 35th minute from the penalty spot after a bad tackle in the 18-yard box.
It was surely a dominant night for the Italian side as they added two more goals in the 75th and 82nd minutes respectively to seal the win.
Next month, it will be a trip to Spain as Juventus take on Celta Vigo.
AC Milan 0-2 Benfica
Milan suffered its first loss of the season as they put on a poor display against Benfica at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.
Yunus Musah was in the starting lineup for the Rossoneri, making two key passes and taking one shot. Christian Pulisic came off the bench in the second half to make two key passes and put two shots on target.
The hosts put themselves behind after 16 minutes when Benfica’s Dodi Lukebakio put in a curling shot into the bottom corner.
Milan head coach Ruben Amorim made a few changes at the halftime break to bring some life to the team. However, they dug into a deeper hole when they allowed a second goal for Benfica in the 53rd minute.
It will be a trip to Austria next month as Milan face Red Bull Salzburg.
Real Sociedad 1-2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth made it a European debut to remember as a quick start led them to a win over Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium.
Tyler Adams started and played 63 minutes for the Cherries to complete 81 percent passing, win three duels, and make five defensive contributions.
The visitors opened the scoring in the 11th minute in what was initially ruled offside. However, a check from the video assistant referee confirmed it was good.
Bournemouth doubled their lead nine minutes later with an over-the-top pass that saw Brazilian forward Rayan track the ball and head it into the goal.
Sociedad was stunned, but head coach Pellegrino Matarazzo made a few adjustments to make a push in the second half.
The hosts cut the deficit in the 57th minute when Sergio Gomez’s cross into the area got past everyone and ended up in the goal.
The White and Blues were much improved and pushed hard for the equalizer as a tired Bournemouth side did all they could to hold on for the win.
Bournemouth will welcome Sturm Graz to the Vitality Stadium on October 15.
Notes
In other action around the league phase, Tanner Tessmann played the full 90 minutes for Lyon as they held on for a 2-1 win over Anderlecht.
Malik Tillman played 61 minutes as Bayer Leverkusen sealed a 2-1 win over Celje.
Bryan Reynolds started for Rennes in their 0-0 tie with Sturm Graz.
Marseille captain Tim Weah wished their opening night campaign could be quickly forgotten as they fell in a 4-1 defeat to Besiktas.
Cameron Carter-Vickers went the distance while Auston Trusty was an unused substitute in Celtic’s 3-1 loss to Ferencvaros.
