Bournemouth enjoyed a dream start to their maiden European campaign as first-half goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan earned them a 2-1 Europa League win at Real Sociedad.

Having been handed a daunting trip to San Sebastian for their first-ever continental voyage, Marco Rose's Cherries did not look out of place one bit as they surged into a 2-0 lead within 20 minutes.

With just 11 minutes gone, Marcus Tavernier got on the turn and found Evanilson, who in turn offloaded to the rampaging Adrien Truffert. His pinpoint delivery was steered home by Kluivert, and after the offside flag was initially raised, a VAR review saw the goal awarded.

Alex Scott created their quickfire second with a wonderful ball over the top of La Real's backline, which Rayan simply nodded back across the onrushing Unai Marrero and in.

Evanilson's header bounced off the post as the Premier League side threatened to run riot, but La Real survived until half-time and improved after introducing Goncalo Guedes in attack.

There was a huge element of fortune about the goal that got them back into the contest, as Sergio Gomez's cross sailed all the way in, though their tails were up from that moment on as Djordje Petrovic made a big save to thwart Benat Turrientes.

Mikel Oyarzabal's audacious chip landed on the roof of the net and Orri Oskarsson just failed to get a touch on another inviting Gomez delivery, but the Icelandic striker would later see an even bigger chance fall his way.

The ball fell kindly to Oskarsson only six yards out in the first minute of stoppage time, but Petrovic got down brilliantly to block his left-footed effort as Bournemouth clung on.

WHAT. EUROPE. MEANS.  pic.twitter.com/iqkcUgpfKz

— AFC Bournemouth  (@afcbournemouth) September 17, 2026

Bournemouth hold off another comeback thanks to Petrovic heroics

Having dropped points from a winning position in all four of their Premier League games so far this season – throwing away nine points in total – Bournemouth would have been fearing the worst when La Real halved the arrears.

But despite La Real tallying more shots (16 to 11), shots on target (five to three) and expected goals (1.51 xG to 0.78), the Cherries held firm at the back.

Petrovic's late save to deny Oskarsson – whose close-range attempt was worth a massive 0.57 xG – proved pivotal as Bournemouth earned their second competitive win under Rose.

La Real have now won just one of their last 11 meetings with English sides in major European competitions (D3 L7), and they face a tricky visit to Union Saint-Gilloise on matchday two next month. 

Bournemouth, meanwhile, go to Sturm Graz on October 15, with their first home game in the Europa League this season being a glamour tie versus AC Milan one week later.