It's only the beginning

This was not the start anyone had hoped for. Real Sociedad fell to defeat against AFC Bournemouth in their opening UEFA Europa League fixture. The txuri-urdin were overwhelmed by a brilliant start from the visitors and, although they pushed hard after the break and more than deserved an equaliser, they could not rescue a point on their European debut.

The English side, renowned for their high-intensity starts, set the tempo from the outset and were clearly the better team in the opening period. Goals from Kluivert and Rayan inside the first 20 minutes left Real Sociedad facing an uphill battle from the outset. Bournemouth’s attacking threat was devastating, and as well as their two goals, they also struck the woodwork. Real Sociedad tried to respond but came up against a side that showed all the hallmarks of serious contenders for the trophy come May.

The second half called for a reaction, and it came. A Sergio Gómez cross found its way into the net to give the txuri-urdin belief and set up the possibility of a comeback. Guedes went close with a shot from inside the area that Petrovic pushed away. Real Sociedad began to take control and the game became more even. Guedes and Oyarzabal then combined on a counter-attack to create a fine opening, but the chance went begging.

Matarazzo’s side continued to press and create openings, with Sučić delivering a dangerous cross that Óskarsson agonisingly failed to connect with at the far post. An equaliser was beginning to look increasingly likely, with Real Sociedad dominating and putting the visitors under sustained pressure. Óskarsson had two clear chances to level, but Petrovic denied him on both occasions. The final minutes saw Real Sociedad pile on the pressure, but Rose’s side held firm to take all three points.

A defeat to open the European campaign. Bournemouth’s explosive start proved decisive and, despite a second-half performance that deserved at least a point, Real Sociedad must wait until matchday two to get off the mark.

Match details:

Real Sociedad: Marrero, H. Fort (Guedes, 46'), Beitia, Jon Martín, M. Sarr, Sergio Gómez, Turrientes (Gorrotxa, 58'), Herrera (Zakharyan, 84'), Barrene (Take, 84'), Oyarzabal (cap.) (Sučić, 74'), Óskarsson.

AFC Bournemouth: Petrovic, Smith (cap.) (Diakite, 63'), Hill, Silva, Truffert, Scott, Adams (Christie, 63'), Rayan (Doak, 71'), Tavernier, Kluivert (Brooks, 84'), Evanilson (Álvaro, 71').

Goals: 0-1 Kluivert (11'); 0-2 Rayan (20'); 1-2 Sergio Gómez (58').

Referee: Paweł Raczkowski (Poland). Bookings: Turrientes, Barrene, Óskarsson (Real Sociedad); Kluivert, Truffert, Diakite (Bournemouth).

Attendance: 30,020.