UEFA Europa League Gameweek 1
Real Sociedad 1 - 2 FT Bournemouth
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Futmetrix Verdict
52
FT
Thu, Oct 22
Bournemouth
3-0
AC Milan
⚡ Intensity
75
⚖️ Balance
20
🏆 Stakes
3
🎲 Upset
0
Two penalties, one red card, total control
Futmetrix Verdict
26
FT
Thu, Oct 22
Sturm Graz
1-0
Marseille
⚡ Intensity
22
⚖️ Balance
31
🏆 Stakes
11
🎲 Upset
60
Diakité struck; Marseille never answered
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
Justin Kluivert (Adrien Truffert) 11'
Justin Kluivert 13'
Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha (Alex Scott) 20'
24' Benat Turrientes
Justin Kluivert 42'
45' ↓ Hector Fort ↑Gonçalo Guedes
HT
Adrien Truffert 52'
57' Sergio Gómez (Luken Beitia Aguirregomezcorta)
58' ↓ Benat Turrientes ↑Jon Gorrotxategi
↓ Tyler Adams ↑Ryan Christie 63'
↓ Adam Smith ↑Bafode Diakite 63'
Bafode Diakite 69'
↓ Francisco Evanilson ↑Álvaro Rodríguez 71'
↓ Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha ↑Ben Gannon-Doak 71'
73' ↓ Mikel Oyarzabal ↑Luka Sučić
↓ Justin Kluivert ↑David Brooks 83'
83' ↓ Ander Barrenetxea ↑Takefusa Kubo
84' ↓ Yangel Herrera ↑Arsen Zakharyan
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Real Sociedad
Goalkeepers
Unai Marrero 
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
3
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Luken Beitia 
PROVIDER
1
Assists
1
Assists
1
Key Passes
5.9
Rating
Jon Martín 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
3
Tackles
74%
Duel Win %
Mamadou Sarr
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
71%
Duel Win %
Sergio Gómez 
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
Midfielders
Héctor Fort 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
46
Total Mins
45
Entry
Beñat Turrientes
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
58
Total Mins
58
Entry
Yangel Herrera 
SWEEPER
3
Cleanups
3
Cleanups
2
Interceptions
1
Blocks
Ander Barrenetxea
LATE SHIFT
7
Late Mins
7
Late Mins
83
Total Mins
83
Entry
Forwards
Mikel Oyarzabal 
MAGNET
41
Activity
41
Activity
33
Passes
8
Duels
Orri Óskarsson
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
BENCH
Álex Remiro 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Aihen Muñoz
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jon Pacheco
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jon Gorrotxategi
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
32
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Pablo Marín
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Carlos Soler
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Luka Sučić
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
17
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Arsen Zakharyan
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
6
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Takefusa Kubo
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
7
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alex Marchal
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Job Ochieng
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gonçalo Guedes
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Bournemouth
Goalkeepers
Đorđe Petrović
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Adam Smith
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
James Hill
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
António Silva
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
62%
Duel Win %
Adrien Truffert
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
4
Tackles
33%
Duel Win %
Midfielders
Rayan
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
Alex Scott
MAGNET
65
Activity
65
Activity
48
Passes
17
Duels
Tyler Adams
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
Marcus Tavernier 
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
19%
Pass Acc
Forwards
Evanilson
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
4
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Justin Kluivert
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
BENCH
Michele Di Gregorio
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
M. Allan
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Bafodé Diakité
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Julio Soler
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
David Brooks
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
7
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ryan Christie
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Lewis Cook
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Alex Tóth
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ben Doak
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Álvaro Rodríguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
19
Total Mins
Started
Entry
League Standings
League Standings
P: 2 GD: +6
P: 2 GD: +6
P: 2 GD: +5
P: 2 GD: +4
P: 2 GD: +4
P: 2 GD: +4
P: 2 GD: +3
P: 2 GD: +2
P: 2 GD: +2
P: 2 GD: +3
P: 2 GD: +3
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: +3
P: 2 GD: +2
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: +1
P: 2 GD: 0
P: 2 GD: 0
P: 2 GD: -3
P: 2 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: -1
P: 2 GD: -3
P: 2 GD: -5
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 2 GD: -2
P: 2 GD: -3
P: 2 GD: -4
P: 2 GD: -4
P: 2 GD: -5
P: 2 GD: -5
P: 2 GD: -5
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Real Sociedad
Bournemouth
Real Sociedad
Bournemouth
Win Probability
Futmetrix AI estimate
Bournemouth's Quickfire Double Silences Anoeta
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 49/100. Bournemouth executed a textbook smash-and-grab away performance, absorbing immense pressure after an electric first twenty minutes secured all three points.
The Early Blitz
Under the European lights at Anoeta, the home faithful were anticipating a measured, tactical masterclass. Instead, they were hit by an absolute whirlwind from the opening exchanges. The visitors came out flying, imposing their will immediately. Just 11 minutes into the clash, Justin Kluivert silenced the vibrant home crowd, finding the back of the net after a clinical exchange with Adrien Truffert. A tense hush fell over the stadium as the VAR carefully reviewed the play, but the goal was definitively confirmed by the 13th minute. The early shock quickly compounded into a nightmare for Real Sociedad. Barely giving the hosts time to breathe, the visitors struck once more in the 20th minute. This time, Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha capitalized on a magnificent delivery from Alex Scott, whose creativity completely dismantled the Basque defence.
Weathering the Storm
Faced with a mounting deficit, the Spanish side had no choice but to throw caution to the wind, radically shifting the Balance of the contest. They slowly edged possession, finishing with 54 percent of the ball, and began to suffocate the English midfield. The pitch transformed into a relentless shooting gallery. Their sustained pressure eventually yielded a massive breakthrough in the 57th minute. Sergio Gómez thundered home a vital lifeline, converting a brilliant setup by Luken Beitia Aguirregomezcorta. A high Intensity rating defined this chaotic phase as the hosts chased an equaliser. A staggering combined 27 shots were fired over the ninety minutes, alongside massive set-piece pressure that saw the hosts force 10 corner kicks as they peppered the penalty area.
Holding the Line
The final thirty minutes evolved into a fascinating clash of styles and sheer willpower. Bournemouth abandoned their early attacking swagger, opting instead for a gritty, backs-to-the-wall defensive display. They absorbed wave after wave of Basque attacks, relying on crucial blocks and timely clearances to maintain their fragile lead. The home side continuously probed the flanks, whipping in crosses and attempting long-range efforts, yet they lacked the killer instinct required to salvage a point. This hard-fought away triumph serves as a massive statement of intent for the Cherries on their European travels. Conversely, the hosts are left to desperately reflect on how a catastrophic opening spell ultimately derailed their ambitions on matchday one.
Key Questions
Who scored the early goals for Bournemouth?
Justin Kluivert opened the scoring in the 11th minute, followed rapidly by a strike from Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha in the 20th minute.
How did Real Sociedad respond to the deficit?
They edged possession and generated heavy pressure with numerous shots and corners, culminating in a 57th-minute goal by defender Sergio Gómez.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
European Ambitions Tested Early at Anoeta
Must-Watch Futmetrix Score: 88/100. An evenly balanced but low-stakes opening fixture where early momentum matters far more than the immediate threat of elimination.
The Setup
The September 17, 2026 fixture brings continental action back to Anoeta. As Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League phase kicks off, the ultimate goal is clear: lock in a top-eight finish for direct progression, or at minimum, stay above the top-24 playoff line. The sheer Balance of this matchup is off the charts, pointing to an incredibly tight contest between Real Sociedad and Bournemouth. Naturally, early stage encounters carry low Stakes, but dropping points at home is never part of the script. Both squads limp into this tie with a deeply concerning Form rating, suggesting a lack of attacking rhythm in their recent outings. While the Stars metric reflects a rather modest pool of marquee names, the home crowd will look to T. Kubo for inspiration, while the English visitors rely on the likes of A. Scott and E. Kroupi to break the deadlock.
Key Battle
This clash will be decided in the transition phases. The Spanish midfield will attempt to build possession and dictate the tempo in front of their home support, but they face an intense, physical pressing unit from the visitors. If the away side's midfield can disrupt the passing lanes and force turnovers, their pace on the counter-attack could easily overwhelm a backtracking defensive line. Expect a gritty, congested battle in the center of the pitch.
Our Prediction
The visitors hold the slimmest of advantages on paper, but securing a win in Basque country is a tall order. We expect a cagey 1-1 draw. The away side will likely strike first from a swift counter, forcing the hosts to chase the game before eventually finding a late equalizer through sustained late pressure.