Bournemouth play the first European match in the club’s history when they face Real Sociedad at Reale Arena on Thursday evening. Both teams have experienced difficult starts to their domestic campaigns, but their attacking numbers suggest the Europa League opener could produce goals.

Sociedad struggling at home

Real Sociedad qualified for the Europa League by winning the Copa del Rey last season, but they have won only two of their opening six league matches.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side come into this game after a 3–0 home defeat against Atlético Madrid. That result continued a difficult run at Reale Arena, where Sociedad have won only one of their last seven matches.

Mikel Oyarzabal is still searching for his first goal of the season, although his record of ten Europa League goals makes him one of the home side’s main threats. Orri Óskarsson and Gonçalo Guedes provide further attacking options.

Bournemouth keep surrendering leads

Bournemouth qualified for Europe after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, but they are still waiting for their first league victory under Marco Rose.

The Cherries have taken the lead in each of their opening four Premier League matches without winning any of them. A 2–1 defeat against Manchester City was followed by three consecutive draws against Everton, Newcastle and Brentford.

Bournemouth have scored twice in both of their last two league games, while both teams have found the net in six of their previous seven competitive matches. Marcus Tavernier, Justin Kluivert and Rayan give them plenty of pace behind Evanilson, who has registered three assists this season.

Team news

Real Sociedad will be without the suspended Jon Aramburu, while Álvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia are unavailable through injury.

Bournemouth are missing Julián Araujo, Amine Adli, Veljko Milosavljević and Eli Junior Kroupi. Rose should still be able to select a strong attacking lineup for the club’s European debut.

Verdict

Sociedad have more European experience and should control periods of the match, but their recent home form makes them difficult to trust.

Bournemouth have carried an attacking threat in every league game this season, although their inability to protect leads remains a concern. Sociedad have seen both teams score in three of their last five matches, while the same bet has landed in six of Bournemouth’s previous seven.

Tip

Both teams to score