# Bournemouth's dreamland journey

> Bournemouth plays AC Milan in Europa League after 15-year rise from League One.
- Title: Bournemouth's dreamland journey · BBC Sport | Shortify
- Summary: Bournemouth plays AC Milan in Europa League after 15-year rise from League One. Bournemouth, once 21st in League One, now face AC Milan in Europa League…
- Keywords: bournemouth, ac milan, europa league, league one, premier league, vitality stadium, ruben amorim, luka modric, champions league, serie a, inter milan, sports
- Source: BBC Sport — https://bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c6x2v8x7ry17o
- Published: 2026-10-22T05:37:17.21+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: bournemouth, ac milan, europa league, league one, premier league, vitality stadium, ruben amorim, luka modric, champions league, serie a, inter milan, sports
## Bournemouth's rise
Bournemouth climbed from League One to Premier League after 15 years since losing to Bury in 2011.

> It's absolute madness.
## AC Milan's history
AC Milan won their last Champions League in 2007 and are now fourth in Serie A with 15 points.
## Fan perspective
Bournemouth fan Kirk Tovey says the club's rise from League One to playing AC Milan feels surreal.

> It's absolute madness.
## Stadium growth
Bournemouth's Vitality stadium holds 12,070 fans for Europa League matches, up from 6,000 in 2011.
## Ownership impact
US billionaire Bill Foley's ownership since 2022 helped Bournemouth become a Premier League club with new facilities.
## AC Milan's current form
AC Milan are fourth in Serie A with 15 points, four points behind Inter Milan.
## Historical connection
Bournemouth changed their name to AFC Bournemouth in 1972 to sound more continental, inspired by AC Milan.
## Luka Modric
Luka Modric, a six-time Champions League winner, is expected to play for AC Milan at 41.
## Fan excitement
Bournemouth fans are excited about playing AC Milan, with many missing tickets due to high demand.

> My niece loves Bournemouth but she's missed out because she hasn't got enough points to get a ticket.
## Future match
Bournemouth will host AC Milan in a competitive Europa League match on Thursday, 20:00 BST.
## Key takeaway

Bournemouth, once 21st in League One, now face AC Milan in Europa League after 15 years since losing to Bury.