Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz: Evanilson & Rayan on target to earn comfortable win

Bournemouth made it two wins from two in the Europa League with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sturm Graz at the Vitality Stadium.

Match Report

Evanilson’s excellent first-half header put the hosts ahead before Rayan doubled their advantage after the break, with Alvaro Rodriguez adding a third from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

Bournemouth made a bright start, with Ben Gannon-Doak causing problems down the right and Marcus Tavernier looking dangerous whenever he received possession.

Tavernier had the first clear opening after 12 minutes when Adam Smith delivered a low cross into the penalty area, but the midfielder could only guide his effort over the crossbar.

Rodriguez then fired wide from the edge of the box before seeing an attempted backheel fail to trouble Sturm Graz goalkeeper Daniil Khudyakov.

The hosts thought they had taken the lead in the 28th minute when Bafode Diakite bundled home from close range following Evanilson’s header, only for the goal to be ruled out for handball.

Tavernier came even closer three minutes later, curling a brilliant effort from outside the penalty area against the post with Khudyakov beaten.

Sturm Graz offered little going forward throughout the opening period, although Belmin Beganovic was booked for simulation after going down inside the Bournemouth box following a challenge involving Smith.

Bournemouth eventually broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute through an outstanding header from Evanilson.

Gannon-Doak worked the ball back to Smith, whose delivery from the right found the Brazilian around 15 yards from goal.

Despite the distance, Evanilson generated enough power to loop his header over Khudyakov and into the top corner.

Match Events

43' GOAL! Bournemouth 1-0 Sturm Graz (Evanilson)

76' GOAL! Bournemouth 2-0 Sturm Graz (Rayan)

Line-ups

Bournemouth XI: Smith, Lewis Cook, Adams, Marcus Tavernier, Djordje Petrović, Evanilson, Bafodé Diakité, Álvaro Rodríguez, António Silva, Ben Gannon-Doak, Julio Soler

Subs: Ryan Christie, Brooks, Kluivert, Di Gregorio, James Hill, Adrien Truffert, Adli, Alex Tóth, Mack Allan, Rayan

Sturm Graz XI: Stankovič, Jürgen Heil, Simon Seidl, Daniil Khudyakov, Joshua Quarshie, Belmin Beganovic, Valmir Matoshi, Arjan Malic, Luis Balbo, Petar Petrovic, Jacob Peter Hödl

Subs: Albert Vallci, Ammar Helac, Paul Koller, Julian Halwachs, Elias Lorenz, Oumar Diakité, Axel Kayombo, Luca Weinhandl, Jonas Peinhart, Jonas Petritsch, Mate Grgic