Bournemouth Beat Real Sociedad 2-1 in Europa League Debut

September 18, 2026 | 09:22 am

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Bournemouth made a winning start to their first European campaign with a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in their Europa League opener in San Sebastian on Thursday, September 17.

Justin Kluivert gave Bournemouth the lead in the 11th minute before Rayan doubled the advantage nine minutes later. Sergio Gomez pulled one back for Real Sociedad in the 57th minute, but Bournemouth held on for three points.

Kluivert and Rayan Put Bournemouth Ahead

Bournemouth needed only 11 minutes to make club history, with Kluivert becoming the first player to score for the Cherries in European competition.

Evanilson played the ball wide to Adrien Truffert, whose cross found Kluivert at the back post. The goal was briefly delayed by a VAR check before Kluivert was ruled onside.

Bournemouth doubled their lead in the 20th minute. Alex Scott produced a cross-field pass for Rayan, who headed the ball into the net to make it 2-0.

The visitors came close to a third shortly afterward when Evanilson's header from Marcus Tavernier's free-kick struck the inside of the post.

Real Sociedad Fight Back

Real Sociedad made changes at halftime and began to put Bournemouth under pressure.

The hosts reduced the deficit in the 57th minute when former Manchester City full-back Sergio Gomez sent a cross from the right that went all the way into the net.

The goal set up a tense final half-hour as Real Sociedad pushed for an equalizer.

Bournemouth goalkeeper Dorde Petrovic became increasingly important as the hosts created more chances. He saved from Benat Turrientes and later denied Orri Oskarsson with five minutes remaining.

Real Sociedad captain Mikel Oyarzabal also came close but sent an effort over the crossbar before being substituted.

Bournemouth ultimately held on to claim a historic victory in their first European match.

The result adds another chapter to the club's rise after Bournemouth were in financial trouble and playing in the fourth tier of English football less than two decades ago.

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