Bournemouth beat Sturm Graz 3-0 to make history with their first home European victory, maintaining their perfect start to the Europa League. The Cherries have won both of their opening matches in the competition.
After a difficult start in the Premier League, Bournemouth also held on to a lead at the Vitality Stadium — something they have struggled to do domestically. Captain Adam Smith, who joined the club when they were in England’s third tier 16 years ago, helped set up the opening goal.
Smith’s cross found Evanilson, who produced a superb curling header from 15 yards to put Bournemouth ahead in the 43rd minute. The Brazilian became the first player to score a European goal at the stadium.
Bournemouth had earlier seen a goal disallowed for handball against Bafode Diakate, while Marcus Tavernier struck the post with a curling effort. Sturm Graz appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty before the interval after Beganovic went down in the area.
The visitors threatened an equaliser shortly after the hour mark when Jurgen Heil’s powerful effort hit the post. Djordje Petrovic then reacted quickly to keep out Jacob Hodl’s follow-up and preserve Bournemouth’s advantage.
Rayan doubled the lead in the 76th minute after Sturm Graz goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov spilled a save from a corner. The Bournemouth forward collected the loose ball and sent a low shot through the goalkeeper’s outstretched hands.
The home side added a third in stoppage time when former Huddersfield player Jon Gorenc Stankovic was penalised for fouling James Hill inside the area. Summer signing Alvaro Rodriguez chipped the resulting penalty into the net for his first Bournemouth goal.
The result lifts Bournemouth to fifth in the Europa League league-phase table, with Ruben Amorim’s AC Milan due at the Vitality Stadium next Thursday.
Smith told TNT Sports: “It’s been a long time coming. The fans were up for it, the players were up for it so we’re very happy with the performance.”
He added: “It was very disappointing at the weekend [against Chelsea]. We let ourselves down as players, we know that. We had a chat with each other and got a reaction today.”
“That’s a Bournemouth performance right there,” Smith said. “But the week is not done. We have a massive game against Sunderland and we need to get three points.”
