Photo via Sky Sports

Bournemouth enjoy winning start to Europa League campaign at Sociedad

Bournemouth marked their debut in European competition with a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at the Anoeta Stadium in San Sebastian. Justin Kluivert opened the scoring in the 11th minute by steering in Adrien Truffert's cross following a VAR check, and Rayan doubled the advantage with a header from Alex Scott's delivery nine minutes later.

Evanilson struck the woodwork shortly after, before Sergio Gomez trimmed the deficit for the hosts in the 57th minute. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic then produced late stops against Orri Oskarsson to secure the win for Marco Rose's side.

The triumph represents a milestone for a club that lingered in English football's fourth tier under administration and a 17-point deficit 18 years prior. After rising through the divisions under Eddie Howe, Bournemouth reached the Europa League following a sixth-placed Premier League finish overseen by Andoni Iraola.