Mamadou Sarr and Real Sociedad lose Europa opener

Real Sociedad have started their Europa League campaign with a home defeat, extending a difficult run after their latest league loss to Atletico Madrid. The result gives Mamadou Sarr and his teammates no points from their opening European fixture and marks two consecutive defeats at Anoeta. The Basque club are also the reigning Copa del Rey winners.

Bournemouth established control before half-time. Justin Kluivert opened the scoring after Adrien Truffert’s delivery, giving Bournemouth their first European goal. Rayan then doubled the visitors’ advantage in the 20th minute with a header from Alex Scott’s cross. Real Sociedad had few answers before the interval and were relieved when Evanilson struck the post from a free-kick situation.

The hosts improved after the break and reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half. A curling cross from Gomez reached the net without a touch from another player, catching goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic off guard. Real Sociedad then pushed for an equaliser, with Mikel Oyarzabal and Orri Óskarsson among those who came close, but Bournemouth held on.

For Sarr, a 21-year-old centre-back who is contracted to Chelsea, the defeat ends the club’s first Europa League outing without a point. Real Sociedad will need a response in their next European match after beginning the season with consecutive home losses.