HIGHLIGHTS | Europa League 26-27 | J1 | Real Sociedad 1 - 2 AFC Bournemouth
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It certainly wasn't the start they had hoped for. Real fell to AFC Bournemouth tonight in their UEFA Europa League opener. The *Txuri-urdin* were overwhelmed by the visitors' strong start; although they pushed hard in the second half—fully deserving an equalizer—they were unable to salvage a single point from their European debut.
The British side, accustomed to high-intensity starts, dictated the tempo and outperformed the hosts. Two goals from Kluivert and Rayán in the opening twenty minutes made for a steep uphill battle for Real in their competition debut. The visitors' attacking prowess was devastating; beyond the goals, they also struck the woodwork. Real tried to respond but came up against a team that proved itself a clear contender to lift the trophy in May.
They needed to step up the pace in the second half, and a cross from Sergio Gómez found the back of the net, galvanizing the *Donostiarras* and fueling belief in a comeback. Guedes sought the equalizer with a shot from inside the box that Petrovic tipped out for a corner. Real began to look worthy of a goal as the playing field leveled out. The Portuguese forward and Oyarzabal combined on a counter-attack for a promising chance but failed to convert. Matarazzo’s men kept pressing and had opportunities to level the score; Sučić sent in a cross that Orri—poised right on the goal line—missed connecting with by a whisker. An equalizer was starting to look deserved, with Real throwing everything forward and outplaying the English side. Óskarsson had two clear chances to tie the game, but Petrovic denied his efforts on both occasions. The final minutes saw a siege on the English goal, but Rose’s team withstood the hosts' last-ditch attacks to secure the win.
A defeat to kick off the European campaign. The visitors' explosive start defined the match; although Real deserved an equalizer in the second half, they were unable to secure it and will have to wait until Matchday 2 to get their first points on the board.
Match details:
Real Sociedad: Marrero, H. Fort (Guedes, 46'), Beitia, Martín, M. Sarr, Sergio Gómez, Turrientes (Gorrotxa, 58'), Herrera (Zakharyan, 84'), Barrene (Take, 84'), Oyarzabal (c) (Sučić, 74'), and Óskarsson.
AFC Bournemouth: Petrovic, Smith (c) (Diakite, 63'), Hill, Silva, Truffert, Scott, Adams (Christie, 63'), Rayan (Doak, 71'), Tavernier, Kluivert (Brooks, 84'), and Evanilson (Álvaro, 71').
Goals: 0-1: Kluivert, 11'. 0-2: Rayan, 20'. 1-2: Sergio Gómez, 58'.
Referee: Paweł Raczkowski (Poland). Booked home players Turrientes, Barrene, and Óskarsson, and visiting players Kluivert, Truffert, and Diakite.
Attendance: 30,020 spectators.