Photo via BBC Sport

From -17 points to dream European start for Bournemouth

Bournemouth marked the inaugural European fixture of their 127-year history with a memorable 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League. Marco Rose's side commanded the opening 45 minutes in San Sebastian through an aggressive high press, highlighted by midfield standout Alex Scott linking up with Brazilian winger Rayan, who headed in what proved to be the decisive goal.

Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic delivered crucial interventions down the stretch to withstand a second-half resurgence from the Basque hosts, who were spearheaded by World Cup champion Mikel Oyarzabal.

The triumph capped an extraordinary multi-decade turnaround for the Dorset outfit, who suffered a 10-point sanction and relegation to League Two eighteen years prior, followed by a crippling 17-point deduction for the 2008-09 campaign after insolvency issues prevented an approved exit terms agreement. Supported by 2,000 travelling fans at the Anoeta Stadium, the Cherries shrugged off recent domestic struggles—having surrendered leads across each of their opening four Premier League fixtures—to claim maximum points against the reigning Copa del Rey winners.

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