The Europa League table had an early jolt on opening night, with Bournemouth and Torreense both winning on their debut in the 2026/27 competition. For two clubs making their first European appearance at this level, the immediate return of three points gives their campaigns a bright start.
Bournemouth won 2-1 away at Real Sociedad, while Torreense also claimed a 2-1 away victory against Lillestrøm. That made it a strong opening night for two debutants, with Crystal Palace also beginning their own Europa League campaign by beating Lech Poznań 4-0.
Bournemouth and Torreense make winning starts
Bournemouth’s result was notable because it came away from home against a difficult opponent, and it immediately put them in the positive side of the Europa League table. Torreense’s victory carried a different kind of significance. The Portuguese second-tier side and 2025/26 Portuguese Cup winners marked their first-ever European outing with a win, and Álex Alfaro headed in the visitors' historic first-ever European goal.
That is exactly the sort of start debut clubs will want in a league phase format. It does not settle anything, but it does remove the pressure of having to chase the first points from the opening night.
Who else won on Matchday 1?
There were also powerful results elsewhere on opening night. Juventus beat N.E.C. Nijmegen 5-0 in Turin, Beşiktaş defeated Marseille 4-1, and Ferencváros beat Celtic 3-1. Ferencváros’ result was particularly eye-catching because it was their seventh win since the start of qualifying.
Elsewhere, Ararat-Armenia lost 4-1 to Sparta Praha. It was a reminder that the opening phase of the competition can quickly separate the sides that settle fastest from those left chasing the group from behind.
Early points matter in the Europa League table
With Matchday 1 now underway, Bournemouth, Torreense and Crystal Palace have all taken an immediate step forward in their Europa League campaigns. The table is only just beginning to form, but opening-night wins give each side something valuable: momentum.
For debutants especially, that matters. A first win changes the mood around the group, builds confidence and makes the next fixture feel manageable rather than decisive. In a competition where every point can shape the final standings, that is a useful place to be after night one.
