Bournemouth's first European tie in the club's history ended in a landmark result, with Jaidon Anthony part of a 2-1 win over Real Sociedad in San Sebastian that delivered the Cherries' first-ever European victory.
The significance goes beyond a single night. Eighteen years ago, Bournemouth were mired in financial trouble and on minus 17 points in the fourth tier of English football. Eddie Howe later masterminded a great escape and three subsequent promotions, and last season Bournemouth finished sixth under Andoni Iraola to qualify for the Europa League. Now, the club has turned that progress into a result it had never recorded before on the continental stage.
How Bournemouth built the win
Justin Kluivert opened the scoring in the 11th minute after a VAR review, and Rayan doubled the lead in the 20th minute with a header from Alex Scott's lofted pass. That early cushion gave Bournemouth control and put Real Sociedad under pressure before halftime.
Real Sociedad got one back through Sergio Gomez in the 57th minute, but Bournemouth did enough to protect the lead. Djordje Petrovic was important late on, saving efforts from Orri Oskarsson in the 85th minute and again in 90+1 to preserve the club's place in the record books.
Marco Rose's view
Bournemouth manager Marco Rose said the team justified its favourites tag with a front-foot display. He described the performance as Bournemouth football, adding that the team wanted to be active, play forward and create chances.
Rose also highlighted the quality of the opening 45 minutes. He said it was a very intense and tough match, but called the first half brilliant in terms of effort, attitude, pressing and winning the ball back. At the same time, he noted that Bournemouth had to suffer more after the break and were not as sharp, even if the win was deserved.
There was also a small piece of club history attached to Adam Smith's appearance. His debut in major European competition made him the oldest English outfielder to do so since Reginald Pickett for Ipswich Town against Milan in November 1962.
For Bournemouth, the result gives the club an early benchmark in its maiden European campaign. It was not just a good away win. It was the first one of its kind in club history.
