Kluivert scores first European goal as Bournemouth stun Real Sociedad on historic debut

Bournemouth began their maiden European campaign with a 2-1 win at Real Sociedad in San Sebastian on Thursday, with first-half goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan giving Marco Rose’s side a composed victory in their first ever competitive match on the continent.

Kluivert opened the scoring after 11 minutes, tapping in from close range after Adrien Truffert’s cross from the left — a goal that survived a VAR check for offside and made the Dutch forward the first Bournemouth player to score in Europe. Rayan doubled the lead nine minutes later, heading home from an Alex Scott cross-field pass to put the Cherries firmly in control.

The result carries particular weight given the club’s trajectory. Just 18 years ago, Bournemouth were on minus 17 points in the fourth tier of English football, mired in financial crisis. Eddie Howe’s great escape and three subsequent promotions laid the foundation, and last season’s sixth-place Premier League finish under Andoni Iraola secured the Europa League place that Rose’s side have now marked with a win.

Bournemouth had been named among the favourites to win the competition ahead of the campaign, and their first-half display went some way to justifying that billing. Evanilson also came close to a third, sending a header against the inside of the post from Marcus Tavernier’s free-kick.

Real Sociedad grew into the game after the break, with Goncalo Guedes introduced at half-time and Ander Barrenetxea becoming increasingly influential. Former Manchester City full-back Sergio Gomez pulled one back in the 57th minute when his cross from the right crept all the way in, setting up a nervy final half-hour in the Basque Country.

Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic was called into action on several occasions as Sociedad pressed for an equaliser. Captain Mikel Oyarzabal chipped one effort over before being withdrawn, visibly frustrated, and Petrovic made a sharp save from Orri Oskarsson with five minutes remaining to preserve the three points.

Rose had named the same starting XI that drew 2-2 with Brentford in the Premier League the previous Saturday, and his side’s ability to manage the closing stages on the road in Europe will be an encouraging sign as the campaign develops.