Bournemouth savour first European win after 3-0 defeat of AC Milan

Bournemouth beat AC Milan 3-0 in the Europa League at the Vitality Stadium last night to claim the club's first victory in European competition. The result, in Bournemouth's first ever European campaign, put them third in the league table and gave supporters a night that contrasted sharply with the two clubs' histories.

The opening goal came from the son of a former AC Milan star, adding a family twist to the match. When Milan last lifted the European title, Bournemouth were in League One. The Italian club have won the European Cup seven times, while Bournemouth were facing liquidation as recently as 2008. Supporters recalled raising money with buckets to keep the club alive, and one said they had followed the team since League Two.

Harry Redknapp, one of the first Bournemouth players to wear the club's Milan-inspired kit in the 1970s, watched the match. He said the sight of Milan at the 11,400-capacity Vitality Stadium would have been a culture shock for players used to the San Siro. The Italian side's black and red stripes had once inspired Bournemouth's own kit, and the aim then was to emulate the European giants. Last night, according to the former player, Bournemouth outclassed them.

A Bournemouth figure said after the match: 'We just trust in ourselves. It doesn't matter who we play against, we trust in ourselves, we know what we're capable of, and I think we showed that tonight again.' Fans described almost disbelief at seeing Bournemouth play one of the greats of world football, and said the club's supporters were now being repaid for standing by the team through hard times.

The win leaves Bournemouth third in the league table after their first ever appearance in European competition. The club's next European fixture will now be watched with renewed interest as Bournemouth adjust to a stage that once felt far beyond them.