Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz: Evanilson 43, Rayan 76, Rodriguez 90+2 pen
After the weekend’s humbling at Chelsea, victory here applies some salve to the wounds of Marco Rose and Bournemouth. A 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz means the head coach has a result to build on as their demanding campaign continues with a game against Sunderland at the weekend, and AC Milan to visit next week.
Rose made five changes to his starting side, but Bournemouth took time to find their rhythm against a Sturm Graz team that defended in numbers. The hosts struggled to create clear openings in the early stages, although Smith provided a glimpse of what they could offer when he beat his marker on the right and sent a low cross towards Marcus Tavernier. The midfielder failed to keep his first-time effort on target.
Bournemouth thought they had taken the lead from a corner when Bafode Diakite turned the ball into the net from close range, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball. Tavernier later struck the outside of a post as the hosts continued to search for a breakthrough.
Sturm Graz offered little going forward before the interval, and their frustration grew when Belmin Beganovic was booked for simulation after going down in search of a penalty.
The breakthrough arrived two minutes before half-time, and it was worth the wait. Smith delivered a cross from the right that found Evanilson in space, with the Brazilian producing a superb header from around 15 yards. His effort looped over goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov and dropped into the net, securing his place in Bournemouth’s history as the scorer of their first European home goal.
Sturm Graz emerged with greater purpose after the break and came close to equalising in the 62nd minute. Jürgen Heil struck the post, and when the rebound fell to Jacob-Peter Hodl, Djordje Petrovic reacted brilliantly to keep out the follow-up. It was the visitors’ clearest opportunity of the night and a warning that Bournemouth still had work to do.
Rose responded by introducing Rayan, Justin Kluivert and Ryan Christie in the 70th minute. The changes gave Bournemouth greater control in midfield while adding pace and attacking threat, and the hosts soon found the goal that settled the contest.
With 14 minutes remaining, Khudyakov failed to deal with a corner and allowed the ball to fall loose in the area. Rayan reacted quickly, turning before driving his shot through a crowded penalty area and beyond the goalkeeper.
There was still time for Alvaro Rodriguez to complete the scoring from the penalty spot in stoppage time. The spot-kick was awarded after Jon Gorenc Stankovic handled the ball, allowing Rodriguez to claim his first Bournemouth goal.
