‘It is for every fan who has ever followed us’: Bournemouth’s European debut caps journey from the brink

Bournemouth crowned their miraculous rise from the brink of extinction with a winning European debut against Real Sociedad.

Bournemouth capped their remarkable two-decade rise from the depths of English football by defeating Real Sociedad in their historic Europa League debut. Goals from Justin Kluivert and Rayan secured the memorable away win, completing an extraordinary journey that once included a 17-point deduction and a battle against extinction. Club figures and supporters celebrated the milestone achievement, contrasting the club's current continental status with a famous friendly against Real Madrid played over a decade prior.

• Justin Kluivert and Rayan scored the goals that delivered Bournemouth a victory in their first-ever European fixture.
• The club's modern success follows a historic period of financial turmoil that once left them facing a severe 17-point deficit.
• Former player and current club legend Steve Fletcher reflected on the journey from the lower tiers of the English football league to continental competition.
• Real Sociedad hosted the opening Europa League fixture against the English side.

By the numbers

In this story

Covered by 3 outlets

• BBC SportFrom -17 points to dream European start for Bournemouth1w ago · open ↗
• The IndependentEuropa League favourites? Bournemouth start historic campaign with memorable away win1w ago · open ↗
• The GuardianKluivert and Rayan rock Real Sociedad as Bournemouth win on European bow1w ago · open ↗

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