Bournemouth beat Sturm Graz in first ever home European game
Bournemouth's history-making season continued on Thursday as they played - and won - their first-ever home European match, beating Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League.
Key points
- Bournemouth won their first-ever home European match, beating Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League.
- Evanilson scored the first European goal at the Vitality Stadium with a curling header.
- Bournemouth are fifth in the Europa League league phase and next host AC Milan.
Bournemouth made history on Thursday by playing and winning their first-ever home European match, defeating Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League at the Vitality Stadium. The victory gives Bournemouth two wins from two in the competition and marks a significant moment for the club.
Evanilson became the first player to score a European goal at the Vitality Stadium, heading in a cross from captain Adam Smith in the 43rd minute. Bournemouth held their lead, something they have struggled to do in the Premier League this season.
Second-half goals seal win
Sturm Graz threatened early in the second half, with Jurgen Heil hitting the woodwork and Djorde Petrovic saving Jacob Hodl's follow-up. Bournemouth doubled their lead in the 76th minute when Rayan capitalized on a goalkeeping error by Daniil Khudyakov.
In added time, Bournemouth were awarded a penalty after Jon Gorenc Stankovic fouled James Hill. Summer signing Alvaro Rodriguez chipped in the spot kick for his first Bournemouth goal, sealing the 3-0 win.
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.
— Adam Smith
What the result means
The win puts Bournemouth fifth in the Europa League league phase table. They will next host Ruben Amorim's AC Milan at the Vitality Stadium next Thursday.
Bournemouth captain Adam Smith said, "It's been a long time coming." Head coach Marco Rose called it a "deserved win" and stressed the need for consistency.
