Minus 17 to European dreams as Bournemouth fairytale continues
It was a night 127 years in the making as Bournemouth added another chapter to their fairytale with victory in their first-ever European home game.
Key points
- Bournemouth beat Sturm Graz 3-0 in their first European home game in 127 years.
- The club survived a 17-point deduction in 2008-09 and now sits in the Europa League.
- Captain Adam Smith assisted Bournemouth's first European home goal.
Bournemouth marked their first European home game in the club's 127-year history with a 3-0 Europa League win over Sturm Graz on Thursday. A pre-match tifo at the Vitality Stadium read 'Minus 17 to European dreams', recalling the 17-point deduction the club accepted to compete in League Two in 2008-09.
The win made Bournemouth the second English side to win their first two matches in a major European competition since Bolton in the Uefa Cup 21 years ago.
From administration to Europe
In 2008, Bournemouth entered administration and were relegated from League One after a 10-point deduction. To play in 2008-09 under manager Eddie Howe, they accepted a further 17-point deduction in League Two, leaving them bottom of the Football League.
They secured survival with a 21st-place finish and later won promotion to the Premier League in 2015. Defender Adam Smith, the club's longest-serving player, captained the side on Thursday and assisted Evanilson's headed opener.
It's a moment that will live long in their memories
— Joel Ward
What was said
Former defender Joel Ward told TNT Sports the night would live long in supporters' memories. He said owner Bill Foley had wanted the club in Europe and that Smith, 35, deserved his success.
Smith said the fans and players were up for the occasion. Manager Marco Rose, who replaced Andoni Iraola in June, said if the team stick together and play like this, they are hard to beat.
Premier League concerns
Despite their Europa League form, Bournemouth sit 18th in the Premier League and are one of three teams, with Fulham and Tottenham, yet to win this season. They face Sunderland on Sunday, before AC Milan visit the Vitality Stadium next week.
