Bournemouth started their UEFA Europa League campaign with a valuable 2-1 away victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday night. Early goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha set the platform for a resilient performance in Spain.
The win extends Bournemouth's unbeaten run to five matches across all competitions, a sequence that includes two wins and three draws. This positive European result comes as the Cherries sit 15th in the Premier League with three points from their opening four domestic games.
Fast start in San Sebastián
Manager M. Rose set his side up in a 4-4-2 formation and they rewarded him with a blistering start. Kluivert opened the scoring after just 11 minutes, finishing off a move created by Adrien Truffert. The lead was doubled nine minutes later when Rayan found the net, with the assist coming from Alex Scott.
Real Sociedad, also playing 4-4-2 under coach P. Matarazzo, struggled to break down a disciplined Bournemouth shape in the first half. The hosts improved after the break and pulled a goal back through Sergio Gómez in the 57th minute, assisted by Luken Beitia.
Holding firm for the points
Bournemouth managed the game well in the final half-hour, making a series of tactical substitutions to see out the win. The visitors were out-possessed 54% to 46% and faced 16 shots, but goalkeeper Đ. Petrović made four key saves to preserve the advantage.
The result is an immediate boost to Bournemouth's European ambitions and provides momentum ahead of a quick return to Premier League action.
Marcus Tavernier, who has three goals in four appearances this season, started the match and was involved in the build-up play. Bournemouth's next Europa League assignment will be confirmed following the upcoming group stage draw.
Manager Andoni Iraola confirmed that goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made two key late saves to secure the victory in San Sebastián. "Petrovic came to our rescue with two astonishing saves in the final, dramatic minutes," Iraola said. The win extends Bournemouth's unbeaten run to five matches, with a recent form of two wins and three draws. The club's next fixture is at home against Liverpool on September 20.
Manager Marco Rose hailed Bournemouth's first European victory as a landmark moment for the club. "It's a brilliant win in our first European game. It's brilliant for the club and the 2,000 fans from Bournemouth," Rose told reporters win extends Bournemouth's unbeaten run to five matches, with a recent form of two wins and three draws. The club, currently 15th in the Premier League with three points from four games, next face Liverpool at home on September 20.
