AFC Bournemouth win 2-1 against Real Sociedad.

The UEFA Europa League League Phase fixture on 17 September 2026 brought AFC Bournemouth to the Reale Arena in San Sebastian to face Real Sociedad. Both clubs entered the match seeking points to strengthen their European campaigns, and a lively atmosphere set the stage for an eventful ninety minutes.

How it unfolded

Bournemouth opened the scoring early, when Justin Kluivert seized the initiative in the 11th minute. Receiving a cross from Adrien Truffert, Kluivert struck a right-footed shot from the centre of the box that curled into the bottom left corner. The goal was confirmed after a VAR review, putting the visitors 1-0 up.

Just nine minutes later, the home side suffered a further setback. Rayan headed home in the 20th minute after a precise delivery from Alex Scott on the right side of the six-yard box. The header found the centre of the net, extending Bournemouth’s lead to 2-0 and leaving Real Sociedad chasing the game.

The match tempo began to shift as Real Sociedad responded with increased aggression. Their first booking arrived in the 24th minute when Beñat Turrientes was shown a yellow card for a bad foul. The caution did not deter the hosts, who continued to press.

A second yellow followed for Real Sociedad in the 33rd minute when Ander Barrenetxea received a booking for a bad foul, signalling the growing physicality of the encounter.

Bournemouth’s own rhythm was briefly interrupted in the 42nd minute when Justin Kluivert, the scorer of the opening goal, was booked for a bad foul. The early aggression from both sides hinted at a tightly contested second half.

The visitors added to their disciplinary tally in the 52nd minute when Adrien Truffert, who had supplied the first goal, was shown a yellow card for a bad foul.

Real Sociedad finally found a way back into the match in the 57th minute. Sergio Gómez unleashed a left-footed long-range effort from the right side of the penalty area, sending the ball into the bottom left corner. The strike, assisted by Luken Beitia, reduced the deficit to 2-1 and gave the home side renewed belief.

The game’s intensity persisted, with Bournemouth’s Bafodé Diakité booked for a bad foul in the 69th minute, and Real Sociedad’s Orri Óskarsson receiving a yellow card for a bad foul in the 75th minute. No further goals were recorded, and the match concluded with Bournemouth preserving their two-goal advantage.

Standout performers

  • Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth) – Scored the opening goal in the 11th minute and contributed to Bournemouth’s early dominance.
  • Adrien Truffert (AFC Bournemouth) – Provided the decisive cross for Kluivert’s goal and was instrumental in the attacking build-up.
  • Rayan (AFC Bournemouth) – Added a second goal with a well-timed header in the 20th minute, cementing the visitors’ lead.
  • Alex Scott (AFC Bournemouth) – Delivered the assist that set up Rayan’s header.
  • Sergio Gómez (Real Sociedad) – Scored the solitary goal for the hosts with a long-range effort in the 57th minute.
  • Luken Beitia (Real Sociedad) – Created the chance for Gómez with a key pass from midfield.

Match facts

  • Final score: Real Sociedad 1-2 AFC Bournemouth
  • Goals:
    • 11' Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth) – assist Adrien Truffert
    • 20' Rayan (AFC Bournemouth) – assist Alex Scott
    • 57' Sergio Gómez (Real Sociedad) – assist Luken Beitia
  • Bookings:
    • 24' Beñat Turrientes (Real Sociedad) – yellow card
    • 33' Ander Barrenetxea (Real Sociedad) – yellow card
    • 42' Justin Kluivert (AFC Bournemouth) – yellow card
    • 52' Adrien Truffert (AFC Bournemouth) – yellow card
    • 69' Bafodé Diakité (AFC Bournemouth) – yellow card
    • 75' Orri Óskarsson (Real Sociedad) – yellow card
  • Venue: Reale Arena, San Sebastian

What it means

AFC Bournemouth secured three points from the encounter, reinforcing their position in the UEFA Europa League League Phase, while Real Sociedad left the venue with a defeat that leaves them trailing in the same competition.