Europa League: Bournemouth wins 2-1 in European debut

Bournemouth has made a successful entry into European history. In the club’s first-ever continental match, the English side secured a 2-1 victory against Real Sociedad on Thursday, September 17, during the opening day of the Europa League league phase.

The Cherries struck early in San Sebastián. Justin Kluivert opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed by Rayan doubling the lead nine minutes later with a header from an Alex Scott assist. Bournemouth went into halftime with a two-goal advantage in their inaugural appearance in European competition.

Real Sociedad reignited the match after the break. Sergio Gómez reduced the deficit in the 57th minute, initiating a prolonged period of Basque pressure. However, goalkeeper Djordje Petrović preserved the English advantage, notably with two crucial saves late in the match against Orri Óskarsson.

This victory immediately earns Bournemouth three points in the league phase. It also extends Rayan’s impressive start to the season, who was signed by the English club in January 2026, and scored the second goal in this European debut.

For their second outing in the competition, Bournemouth will host Sturm Graz on October 15. Real Sociedad will travel the same day to face Union Saint-Gilloise, according to the schedule published by UEFA.