How Bournemouth humbled seven-time European champions Milan

“It's happened again, it's happened again, Ruben Amorim, it's happened again," they sang.

For the record, Amorim's only away Premier League visit to Bournemouth last year finished in a 1-1 draw. But the sight of the Portuguese drenched and defeated in an English dugout was familiar.

Amorim, sacked by Manchester United in January, cracked a rueful smile as the home crowd applauded him for taking their chants in good spirits.

Before kick-off time, a giant display in the home end posed a question that captured the club’s remarkable journey: “How did we end up here?”

It was more than a taunt aimed at the visitors. It was a reminder of how close Bournemouth had come to disappearing from the football landscape.

In 2008, the club entered administration, facing financial uncertainty - and the prospect of going out of business.

Now, they were hosting one of Europe’s most decorated sides - and making them look ordinary. This was only Bournemouth's third-ever European fixture.

The occasion was significant. The performance made it unforgettable.

Adli adds stunning third as Bournemouth crush AC Milan

A sign of the hosts' evolution was that they boasted fewer English players in their starting XI than their opponents - two to three - and Bournemouth started with purpose, pressing high and refusing to be overawed by Milan’s reputation.

Justin Kluivert - son of former Milan striker Patrick - threatened early, while Evanilson’s header helped create the pressure that led to the opening penalty. After a VAR review for handball against Koni De Winter, Kluivert stepped up and converted.

The match shifted further in the home side's favour when goalkeeper Mike Maignan was sent off after mindlessly pushing Tyler Adams in the face at a corner.

"The game was over after 20 minutes," Amorim later conceded.

Ruben Amorim watches on from the touchline

Milan were left with 10 men, and The Cherries did not waste their chance to take control. Marcus Tavernier scored the subsequent spot-kick, and Marco Rose's side remained composed after the break.

There was no retreat into a shell, no attempt to protect the scoreline at all costs. They continued to press, compete and look for another goal. Substitute Amine Adli eventually supplied it with a late free-kick, sealing a 3-0 victory that reflected the hosts’ authority.

It was the cherry on the cake - and for Kluivert, the result was proof of what the team believed it could achieve.

Kluivert on AC Milan thrashing: We always go full gas

Speaking to TNT Sports, the Dutchman said: “We just trusted in ourselves, it doesn't matter who we play against, we just trust in ourselves. We know what we are capable of, and I think we showed that tonight."

Kluivert also acknowledged the weight of beating a club with Milan’s history, while noting the connection between the teams’ red-and-black colours.

But his focus was firmly on Bournemouth’s collective strength rather than individual acclaim.

"We are a team, and not individuals," he added, explaining why he was happy to see Tavernier take responsibility for the second penalty.

"The thing I love about our team is the intensity we have. It doesn't matter who's in the starting XI, our intensity shows who we are, and what we stand for, 'let's go full gas'."

Christie reflects on 'ridiculous' night against AC Milan

TNT Sports pundit Robbie Savage was equally impressed, praising Bournemouth’s intent from the opening minutes, and their ability to make the most of the decisive moments.

"From the first minute they showed the intent, on the front foot, closing down," Savage said. "Bournemouth have got a real chance of going far in this competition."

Ryan Christie, meanwhile, placed the victory in the context of the club’s longer journey.

Speaking to TNT Sports, he reflected on how far Bournemouth had come and the significance of nights like this for supporters who had followed the club through its difficult years.

"It's mega," Christie said. "In terms of the story of the club, it's ridiculous.

Tavernier gives Bournemouth two-nil lead against AC Milan

"Someone told me today, 15 years ago today we were 17th in League One, I think. It's pretty incredible. So many of these fans have been here for this journey, so to have nights like this and win as well is special.

"Now that we've got that bit of momentum. I think it's crucial when you've got so many games, one after the other, you just try and roll into the next one, and keep the positivity.

"With the amount of games we've got, the gaffer has to use everyone in the squad and, to be fair, everyone has shown they can be called upon, the boys that came in tonight.

"Incredible tonight to come in and perform like that against a top team, and we've got positivity going into the weekend."

Scenes! Kluivert gives Bournemouth the lead against AC Milan

The Red Devils - a fallen giant like Milan who were beaten in similarly chastening fashion by Como this week - will not relish facing Christie and co at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Bournemouth secured their first Premier League win of the season last weekend, and this historic result confirms a sense they are turning a corner under their new manager Rose.

"I'm proud of the club, happy for the fans and proud of the lads," the German told UEFA. "It was a great evening, a great result and a brilliant performance in every aspect. We created chances, scored an early goal and kept the pressure high. This was Bournemouth, and this is what we wanted to show."

Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz and now Milan. Rose's men are now well-placed in the Europa League table, with a perfect record after three matches.

Tougher tests await, including away trips to Sparta Prague and Celta Vigo in November, but this was a statement of intent against opposition whose name alone commands respect.

How did Bournemouth end up here? On this evidence, they are here to stay.

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