Bournemouth hold on in memorable European debut
Real Sociedad 1 - 2 Bournemouth
Bournemouth held on to claim a famous victory at Real Sociedad in the first European match in the club's history.
Author | Ajay
Stadium | Estadio Municipal de Anoeta
Goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan put the Cherries in control as their relentless pressing overwhelmed their Basque opponents during a dominant first half.
Sociedad improved considerably after the break, pulling one back through Sergio Gomez and pushing hard for an equaliser late on, but Marco Rose's side held firm to secure victory and make a winning start to their Europa League campaign.
A closer analysis of what happened
In a remarkably open start to the game, both sides found dangerous positions, but the first chance of note came in the 11th minute and was converted by Kluivert at the end of a fine move.
The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but the video assistant referee intervened and, after a two-minute delay, it was confirmed that the Netherlands international had been behind the ball when Adrien Truffert delivered his cross from the corner of the box.
The goal stood and Bournemouth soon had a second. Alex Scott spotted Rayan's run in behind and picked him out with a superb pass, allowing the Brazil winger to head home at the far post.
With their hosts stunned, the Cherries pushed on in search of a third and came close when Evanilson met Marcus Tavernier's free-kick with an excellent header, only to see the ball strike the inside of the far post and bounce back out.
As the La Liga side grew increasingly frustrated, the game became increasingly feisty towards the end of the first half and retained an edge after the interval.
Sociedad emerged with a point to prove after such a disappointing opening 45 minutes and, with Bournemouth beginning to show signs of tiredness following their exertions, pressed forward in search of a route back into the match.
They found it just before the hour mark when Gomez's inswinging cross from the right evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner.
It was a nervy ending...
Bournemouth were pegged back and it took a string of fine saves from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic to keep them in front, including a stunning reaction stop to deny striker Orri Oskarsson in stoppage time.
But the Cherries held on to ensure their first foray into European football was a memorable one.
