Bournemouth made history on Thursday by playing and winning their first-ever home European match, beating Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League. It is two wins from two for the competition debutants and, perhaps more importantly, they held on to a lead taken late in the first half, something they have struggled to do during a poor start to the Premier League.
Evanilson scored the first European goal at the Vitality Stadium, a thing of beauty. Adam Smith, captaining a team he joined in England's third tier 16 years ago, found him with a cross, and the Brazilian curled a powerful header past the goalkeeper from 15 yards out. Evanilson gave Bournemouth the lead in the 43rd minute.
Sturm Graz came out with intent after the break and could have equalised just after the hour. Jurgen Heil smashed the woodwork before Djorde Petrovic was needed to keep out Jacob Hodl's follow-up. The Cherries rode the wave and doubled their lead through Rayan, whose low, fizzing shot sped through Daniil Khudyakov's outstretched hands after a spilled corner save.
In second-half added time, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty after Jon Gorenc Stankovic fouled James Hill. Summer signing Alvaro Rodriguez chipped the spot kick in for his first Bournemouth goal, sealing 3-0 and three more points. The win lifts the Cherries to fifth in the Europa League league phase table ahead of welcoming Ruben Amorim's AC Milan to the Vitality next Thursday.
Source: Sky Sports Champions League · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing