Real Sociedad vs AFC Bournemouth

Real Sociedad fell to a 1-2 defeat against Bournemouth at Anoeta in the opening matchday of the UEFA Europa League league phase, as the Cherries raced into a two-goal lead inside the first 20 minutes before holding on despite a spirited home fightback. Justin Kluivert put Bournemouth ahead in the 13th minute, a goal initially flagged offside but awarded after a VAR review, before Rayan headed in a second just seven minutes later to make it 2-0. Real Sociedad responded after the break through Sergio Gómez, who fired a powerful long-range effort into the bottom corner in the 58th minute. The hosts pushed hard for an equalizer late on, with Mikel Oyarzabal firing over in the 75th minute and Orri Oskarsson denied by a smart save from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic. The win marks a milestone for Bournemouth, delivering the club's first-ever victory in a UEFA competition on their European debut. For Real Sociedad, it's a tough start to their continental campaign despite an encouraging second-half response, leaving them to regroup before their next league phase fixture.