Bournemouth v Sturm Graz Match Report: Cherries Secure Historic First European Home Win

AFC Bournemouth made it two wins in two in the Europa League as they beat Sturm Graz 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium yesterday evening.

The result sees the Cherries move to fifth in the Europa League table, on a maximum six points, while Sturm Graz sit in 26th with a point.

The Vitality Stadium hosted a spectacular pre-match show, with every fan given a flag in their seats, and a new ‘Minus 17 to European Dreams’ tifo unveiled in the North Stand.

After a largely uneventful first 40 minutes, the scoring was opened by Evanilson to give Bournemouth the lead heading into the break.

Sturm Graz came out fighting in the second half, hitting the post and forcing Djorde Petrovic into a quick save.

But goals from Rayan and Alvaro Rodriguez weathered the storm, pushing Marco Rose’s team to new heights.

The Cherries dominated possession for the first half an hour, resulting in a scrappy goal in the 29th minute that was quickly disallowed for a handball against Bafode Diakite.

Just four minutes later, the ball fell to Marcus Tavernier around 25 yards out. The midfielder had time to set up the left footed shot, which hit the post.

The deadlock was broken in the 43rd minute with a historic goal from Evanilson. Ben Gannon-Doak started the move with a beautiful piece of skill to the right of the box, laying the ball back to Adam Smith who whipped the cross in first time.

The Brazilian connected with a looping header 16m out, which floated over the keeper and into the back of the net.

The second half started much more evenly, as Sturm Graz began to grow into the game.

The biggest scare for the Cherries came in the 63rd minute, when Jurgen Heil rattled the post, with Petrovic expertly saving the rebounded attempt from Jacob Peter Hodl.

But Bournemouth turned up the class with their substitutions. The introduction of James Hill, Justin Kluivert, Ryan Christie and Rayan simply stifled Sturm Graz.

And the seasiders reaped the rewards. In the 76th minute, only six minutes after coming on, Rayan struck following a poorly dealt with corner.

With nerves settled, fans were able to revel in the occasion of a first home Europa League victory.

There was added delight from the introduction of Amine Adli, who came on in the 82nd minute having not played yet this season due to injury.

The points were sealed when James Hill was fouled by Jon Gorenc Stankovic in the penalty area, and Rodriguez finished from the spot.