Five clubs have won all three of their opening matches in the UEFA Europa League, establishing themselves among the early frontrunners as the league phase approaches its halfway point.

Benfica lead the 36-team standings with nine points and a goal difference of plus eight after defeating Omonia Nicosia 4-1 on Thursday.

The Portuguese outfit have scored 10 goals in three outings, making them the competition’s highest scorers among the five teams with maximum points.

Bayer Leverkusen occupy second place, also on nine points and with a goal difference of plus eight.

Their 2-0 win against OFI Crete extended their winning run while preserving their record of having conceded no goals in the competition so far.

Bournemouth sit third after recording a convincing 3-0 victory over AC Milan at Vitality Stadium.

The English side have scored eight goals and conceded one, giving them a goal difference of plus seven.

Ferencváros are fourth following their 4-1 win over Torreense, which took their tally to nine points.

They have scored nine goals and conceded three, leaving them with a goal difference of plus six.

Olympiakos complete the top five after edging Sparta Prague 1-0.

Although their goal difference of plus three is lower than those of the teams above them, three consecutive victories have kept them level on points with the leading quartet.

The gap between the top five and the chasing pack is already taking shape.

Union Saint-Gilloise occupy sixth position on seven points after defeating Hapoel Be'er Sheva 4-0, while Juventus, Besiktas and Sunderland also have seven points.

The league phase is far from decided, with five fixtures remaining for every club.

However, the five unbeaten teams have given themselves a strong foundation as they pursue places in the knockout stages.

https://x.com/EuropaLeague/status/2113541182525522413