Bournemouth marked their first European appearance in club history with a 2-1 victory away to Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
The Cherries took control in a dominant first half, with Justin Kluivert and Rayan scoring as their aggressive pressing caused problems for the Spanish side.
Kluivert opened the scoring in the 11th minute after finishing a well-worked move. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but a VAR review showed that the Netherlands international was behind the ball when Adrien Truffert delivered his cross from the edge of the box. The goal was subsequently awarded after a delay of about two minutes.
Bournemouth soon doubled their advantage. Alex Scott picked out Rayan’s run behind the defence with an excellent pass, allowing the Brazilian winger to head the ball into the far corner. The visitors almost added a third before half-time when Evanilson met Marcus Tavernier’s free-kick with a powerful header. However, his effort struck the inside of the far post and bounced away.
Falconets Beat England to Reach World Cup Quarterfinals
Real Madrid Survive Elche Scare
Real Sociedad returned from the interval with a stronger response. Bournemouth showed signs of fatigue after their intense first-half performance, allowing the hosts to apply sustained pressure.
Sociedad pulled one back shortly when Sergio Gomez sent an inswinging cross that evaded everyone and found the far corner. The goal shifted the momentum as the La Liga side pushed for an equaliser. Bournemouth goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was forced into several important saves to preserve the lead.
His most significant intervention came in stoppage time, when he produced a superb reaction save to deny striker Orri Oskarsson. Bournemouth ultimately held on to secure a historic victory and begin their first Europa League campaign with three points.
