Bournemouth go into the break ahead of Real Sociedad in the Europa League

In the opening matchday of the Europa League, AFC Bournemouth took the lead in the first half against Real Sociedad, scoring at least two goals and going into the break with an advantage. According to Spanish coverage, the score at the end of the first half was 0‑3, while French information indicates a 0‑2. From the start, the game took place at the Anoeta stadium under overcast skies.

The Anoeta stadium hosted the match with a temperature of 19.5 degrees and a humidity of 69 percent. Bournemouth's squad lined up in a 4‑4‑2 formation, while Real Sociedad set up a block of four defenders and two forwards. With the absence of Amine Adli at AFC Bournemouth and the dismissal of Jon Aramburu, as well as the injury to Igor Zubeldia, both teams started with significant absences.

First half: goals and dominance

The first goal came in the 11th minute, when Justin Kluivert received a precise pass from Adrien Truffert and beat the opposing goalkeeper. VAR intervention at the 13th minute confirmed the goal's validity. In the 20th minute, Alex Scott delivered a cross that ended in a goal; the Spanish version mentions Rocha as the scorer, while the French version indicates Rayan as the scorer.

During those minutes, Adam Smith recovered the ball for Bournemouth and Oyarzabal tried to control the play, while Kluivert positioned himself in the box. In the 47th minute, from a corner, Oyarzabal struck with power, but the opposing goalkeeper deflected the shot after Scott's touch.

The referee issued several cautions: Kluivert received a yellow card in the 42nd minute, Barrenetxea was booked in the 33rd minute and Turrientes in the 24th minute. In addition, referee Raczkowski briefly disallowed a Bournemouth goal in the 11th minute before VAR confirmed it.

Second half and Real Sociedad's reaction

At the start of the second half, Bournemouth led 0‑3 according to the Spanish report, and 0‑2 according to the French one, which forced Real Sociedad to react urgently. From the wing, the home team tried to create chances, but the opposing goalkeeper kept a clean sheet.

Forward Evanilson attempted a play that ended with the ball smashing against the crossbar, and Bournemouth continued to press intensely. Despite the pressure, Real Sociedad failed to overturn the deficit before the end of regular time.