On England’s south coast, Bournemouth marked 15 October 2026 with a European night their supporters had never previously experienced at home. The Vitality Stadium staged its first continental fixture and watched the club sweep aside Sturm Graz 3-0 in the Europa League, with Brazilian pair Evanilson and Rayan among the scorers.
A first European evening on the south coast
Bournemouth had worked through last season to earn a place on the continental stage, and their first home assignment in the competition carried the feel of a landmark occasion. Sturm Graz could not disrupt the celebration as the hosts built a commanding win.
- Evanilson put Bournemouth ahead two minutes before half-time.
- The former Fluminense forward met the ball with a forceful header, directing it over Khudyakov despite barely leaving the ground.
- Rayan, formerly of Vasco da Gama, made it 2-0 in the 75th minute after collecting a loose ball inside the penalty area and striking right-footed.
- Uruguayan forward Álvaro Rodríguez completed the result from the penalty spot late on.
Reflecting on the occasion, the sense within the squad was that a demanding previous campaign had earned this moment. Bournemouth felt their opening-round away victory had brought confidence, while the home crowd’s celebration was considered central to the performance. The stated ambition remains to raise the club’s standing in the league and continue advancing in Europe.
Evanilson reaches a Bournemouth milestone
The opening goal carried further significance for Evanilson. It was his 20th for Bournemouth since joining in the 2024/25 season, and came in his 80th appearance for the club. He has also provided seven assists in that period.
The striker has now scored in consecutive matches. Before Sturm Graz arrived in Dorset, he registered Bournemouth’s consolation goal in the 5-1 Premier League defeat against Chelsea.
Six points and a Milan test ahead
Two wins from two Europa League matches have given Bournemouth six points. Ten teams have reached that total, with the competition’s tie-breakers placing Bournemouth fifth at this stage.
- Sunday: Bournemouth host Sunderland at the Vitality Stadium in the Premier League.
- Next Thursday: Bournemouth return to Europa League action against Milan, again in England.
