Bournemouth made a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad in San Sebastian, scoring twice inside the opening 20 minutes.
The Cherries wasted little time making their mark. Justin Kluivert thought he had opened the scoring when he volleyed home from Adrien Truffert’s excellent delivery, only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.
A lengthy VAR check overturned the decision, confirming Kluivert had stayed onside and giving Bournemouth their first goal in UEFA competition.
Marco Rose’s side continued to dominate and doubled their advantage in the 20th minute. Alex Scott produced an excellent ball over the top, allowing Rayan to meet it with a precise header that found the far corner.
Bournemouth almost added a third before the half-hour mark, but Evanilson’s glancing header struck the post. Scott later went close again, firing over the crossbar as the visitors continued to threaten.
Real Sociedad improved after the break and pulled a goal back in the 58th minute. Sergio Gomez sent a cross-shot towards goal and, with nobody able to make contact, the ball travelled all the way into the far corner beyond Dorde Petrovic.
The goal lifted the home crowd and Sociedad pushed for an equaliser. Goncalo Guedes forced Petrovic into a strong save with a powerful effort from the edge of the area, while Mikel Oyarzabal sent another promising chance onto the roof of the net.
Bournemouth were increasingly tested in the closing stages, but Petrovic kept his side in front. He produced another important save to deny Orri Oskarsson from close range before stopping the Icelandic striker again during stoppage time.
The Cherries held on to secure a historic European victory and give Rose his first win against top-flight opposition since taking charge of Bournemouth.
For Sociedad, the defeat extended their winless home record against English opposition to six matches, with two draws and four defeats.
