From -17 points to a European dream: Bournemouth beat Real Sociedad

Bournemouth have played their first-ever European match, 127 years into the club's history, beating Real Sociedad 2-1 away in their opening Europa League fixture. The game took place at the Anoeta Stadium, where travelling fans displayed a flag reading 'From -17 to Europe,' a nod to the club's turbulent past.

Just 18 years ago, Bournemouth were on the brink of collapse. After entering administration, the club was docked 10 points and relegated to League Two. To remain in the Football League for the 2008-09 season, they had to accept a further 17-point deduction and agree not to appeal the decision.

The turning point came in January 2009 with the appointment of Eddie Howe as manager, who guided the club to safety despite the points penalty. Six and a half years later, in his second spell in charge, Howe had led a transformed Bournemouth into the Premier League, where the club has now competed for 11 years.

In Thursday's match, Bournemouth dominated the first half, pressing high and winning the ball back repeatedly, while having to defend resolutely in the second half against a Sociedad side that upped the pressure — a scenario the Cherries have historically struggled with. Goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic made several key saves to preserve the win.

The team was led out on this historic night by captain Adam Smith, who joined the club during Howe's first spell as manager. At 35 years and 141 days old, Smith became the oldest English outfield player to debut in a major European competition since 1962.

Manager Marco Rose called the victory brilliant for the club and the roughly 2,000 travelling supporters. Bournemouth's rise has not been without setbacks, including relegation in 2020, and the club regularly faces the challenge of holding onto players sought by Europe's top clubs. Even qualifying for Europe did not prevent the departure of manager Andoni Iraola, who now manages Liverpool.