Bournemouth enjoys dream European bow
Bournemouth enjoyed a dream start to its maiden European campaign as first-half goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan earned it a 2-1 Europa League win at Real Sociedad.
Having been handed a daunting trip to San Sebastian for its first ever continental voyage, Marco Rose's Cherries did not look out of place as they surged into a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.
With just 11 minutes gone, Marcus Tavernier got on the turn and found Evanilson, who in turn offloaded to the rampaging Adrien Truffert. His pinpoint delivery was steered home by Kluivert, and after the offside flag was initially raised, a VAR review saw the goal awarded.
Alex Scott created a quick-fire second with a wonderful ball over the top of La Real's backline, which Rayan nodded back across the onrushing Unai Marrero and in.
Evanilson's header bounced off the post as the Premier League side threatened to run riot, but La Real survived until half-time and improved after introducing Goncalo Guedes in attack.
There was a huge element of fortune about the goal that got them back into the contest, as Sergio Gomez's cross sailed all the way in, though their tails were up from that moment on as Djordje Petrovic made a big save to thwart Benat Turrientes.
Mikel Oyarzabal's audacious chip landed on the roof of the net and Orri Oskarsson just failed to get a touch on another inviting Gomez delivery, but the Icelandic striker would later see an even bigger chance fall his way.
The ball fell kindly to Oskarsson only six yards out in the first minute of stoppage time, but Petrovic got down brilliantly to block his left-footed effort as Bournemouth clung on.
