Europa League: Benfica Stun AC Milan as Sunderland and Omonia Claim Wins

The opening round of this season's Europa League produced plenty of drama, from Benfica's statement win in Milan to a stoppage-time hero in Cyprus, as clubs kicked off their campaigns across Europe on Thursday night.

AC Milan were beaten 2-0 at home by Benfica at the San Siro. Dodi Lukebakio put the visitors ahead in the 16th minute, cutting in from the left and finishing into the bottom corner. Jakub Kaminski doubled the lead in the 53rd minute, meeting a cross from Souffian El Karouani. Milan had more of the ball and more shots overall, but Benfica made their chances count and goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin came up with several key saves to seal the win.

In Brussels, Anderlecht fell 2-1 to Olympique Lyonnais. Lyon raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 22 minutes through Noah Nartey and Keito Nakamura, who was later named man of the match. Anderlecht pushed hard after the break and pulled one back through Mihajlo Cvetkovic in the 61st minute, but couldn't find an equaliser despite dominating possession in the second half.

Sturm Graz and Rennes played out a goalless draw at Merkur Arena. Rennes had the better of the chances and controlled much of the game, but goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov was in inspired form for Sturm, making several key saves to keep his side level.

Elsewhere, Sunderland got their campaign off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light. Enzo Le Fee scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after winning the foul himself, and he was named player of the match for his all-round performance.

Olympiacos came from behind to beat Jagiellonia Bialystok 2-1 in Piraeus. Kajetan Szmyt put the visitors ahead early on, before Armando Gonzalez levelled things up before halftime. Substitute Roman Yaremchuk then headed in a late winner in the 84th minute to complete the comeback.

Hapoel Be'er Sheva and Dinamo Zagreb shared the points in a 0-0 draw. Hapoel dominated possession and created far more chances, but couldn't find a way past a well-organised Dinamo defence, with goalkeeper Dominik Kotarski doing well between the sticks.

Bayer Leverkusen got off to a strong start with a 2-0 win over Celje at the BayArena. Svit Seslar turned the ball into his own net in the first half under pressure from a cross, before Facundo Medina added a second in the 74th minute. Celje keeper Zan-Luk Leban had a big night despite the loss, making several important saves to keep the score down.

AC Sparta Praha put in one of the most convincing performances of the round, beating FC Ararat-Armenia 4-1 away from home. Tobias Kvalvagnes Guddal scored twice in quick succession in the first half, before John Mercado and substitute Patrik Vydra added further goals. Ararat pulled one back through Bruno Wilson, but Sparta were always in control.

Finally, Omonia Nicosia edged out Celta Vigo 1-0 at the GSP Stadium. Celta had more possession and more shots throughout the game, but it was Omonia who found the breakthrough, with left back Jure Balkovec scoring a brilliant strike in the 88th minute to seal all three points.