SAN SEBASTIÁN — AFC Bournemouth announced their arrival in Europe in style, securing a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad at Anoeta Stadium to win on their European debut on Thursday night.
Justin Kluivert scored the first goal Bournemouth have ever scored in Europe, finding the net at 21:41 to make history for the club. Rayan also struck as Bournemouth took the victory in San Sebastián. The goals were marked in traditional fashion at Anoeta, where a custom recovered from the old Atotxa ground sees a single flare set off for every away goal and two for a home goal so those out on the Bay of Biscay know the score.
A man named Juan Iturralde ran out into the street to light the flare for Kluivert's historic opener, while high in the stands 2,000 travelling Bournemouth fans sang their way through the occasion. They had waited their whole lives for this European bow and saw their side deliver a landmark result on the road.
The win carried added resonance as it came in the city where it all began for Andoni Iraola, the manager who brought Bournemouth to Europe. His side marked the history they made with fireworks and a debut victory to announce themselves on the continental stage.