AFC Bournemouth's long-awaited first venture into European football ended in triumph on Thursday night, as goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan secured a 2-1 victory away to Real Sociedad in San Sebastián. The result gave the club, playing in continental competition for the first time in its 127-year history, a memorable start to their campaign.
Around 2,000 travelling supporters made the journey to Anoeta, where a local tradition dating back to Real Sociedad's old Atotxa stadium was observed throughout the match. A single flare is launched into the night sky whenever the away side scores, while two go up for a home goal, allowing residents near the coast to follow the score without a screen. That custom saw a local man, Juan Iturralde, dash into the street on three separate occasions as the drama unfolded.
Bournemouth needed only 10 minutes and 43 seconds to make history in style. Evanilson's clever hold-up play released Adrien Truffert down the left, and his precisely whipped cross found Kluivert, who finished confidently past the Real Sociedad goalkeeper. The goal was initially disallowed for offside before being awarded following a VAR review, sparking a second wave of celebrations among the away fans.
The visitors doubled their advantage soon after when Alex Scott produced an exquisite, looping pass that picked out Rayan, who headed home from close range. Bournemouth were dominant for large parts of the first half, with Evanilson striking the post from a set piece and António Silva heading narrowly wide, while Real Sociedad's Orri Óskarsson had to make a defensive header of his own to prevent a third goal.
Andoni Iraola, who once played for Real Sociedad before taking charge of Bournemouth, watched his side control the opening 45 minutes with composure, moving fluidly around the pitch while the hosts struggled to find their rhythm amid a backdrop of restless whistling from the home crowd.
Real Sociedad emerged with greater urgency after the break, and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was called into action almost immediately, producing a fine save to deny Beñat Turrientes. Moments later, the hosts pulled a goal back when Sergio Gómez's curling delivery evaded several defenders and nestled into the far corner, cutting the deficit to 2-1 in the 57th minute.
The closing stages turned tense, with Bournemouth having already surrendered leads in four of their previous five matches this season — against Manchester City, Everton, Newcastle United and Brentford. That familiar anxiety crept back in as Real Sociedad pushed hard for an equalizer. Petrovic denied Gonçalo Guedes with another sharp save, while Mikel Oyarzabal's delicate effort drifted just over the crossbar. Luka Sucic also fired wide as the hosts searched for a leveler.
The most dramatic moments came in stoppage time, when Gómez played through Óskarsson twice in quick succession. Petrovic produced a stunning stop on the first attempt and somehow denied the Iceland international again from close range in the final minute, preserving Bournemouth's slender lead.
When the final whistle sounded, Bournemouth's players and supporters celebrated a historic and hard-fought win on their European bow, with Petrovic's late heroics proving decisive in securing the club's first-ever continental victory.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.