Bournemouth 3–0 Sturm Graz: Cherries celebrate first home European night with victory

Bournemouth marked their first home European match with a 3–0 victory over Sturm Graz to maintain their winning start in the Europa League.

Evanilson opened the scoring before half-time, substitute Rayan added a second and Álvaro Rodríguez converted a stoppage-time penalty as Marco Rose’s side moved to six points from two matches.

Bournemouth vs Sturm Graz: Evanilson makes the breakthrough

Rose made five changes to Bournemouth’s starting lineup, with Rodríguez partnering Evanilson in attack.

The hosts had a Bafodé Diakité effort disallowed for handball before Marcus Tavernier struck the outside of the post.

Their pressure brought a breakthrough in the 43rd minute when Evanilson’s looping header from Adam Smith’s cross beat Daniil Khudyakov.

Sturm threatened an equaliser after the interval. Jürgen Heil hit the post before Djordje Petrović saved Jakob Hödl’s follow-up with his legs.

Rose introduced Rayan in the 70th minute, and the Brazilian doubled Bournemouth’s advantage six minutes later, turning and firing low after Khudyakov failed to deal with a corner.

Rodríguez completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 92nd minute after Jon Gorenc Stanković fouled James Hill.

Two wins from two for Bournemouth

The Cherries finished with 23 shots to Sturm’s six, building on their opening 2–1 victory at Real Sociedad.

They return to Premier League action at home to Sunderland on Sunday, October 18, with kick-off at 2pm UK time.

Sunderland also enjoyed European success on Thursday, coming from behind to beat Torreense with Noah Sadiki’s stoppage-time winner.