Real Sociedad Host AFC Bournemouth at Anoeta

A historic evening awaits at the Anoeta Stadium on Thursday as Real Sociedad open their UEFA Europa League campaign against European debutants AFC Bournemouth. While the Spanish hosts are gearing up for their 14th appearance in the competition, Marco Rose's Cherries are stepping into unchartered territory, marking a landmark moment in the club's 127-year history.

Recent Form & Domestic Background

Real Sociedad enter Matchday 1 aiming to bounce back from a heavy domestic setback. Pellegrino Matarazzo's team suffered a 3-0 defeat at home against Atlético Madrid on September 13 in LaLiga. That result left La Real with a mixed start to their season, which also includes a thrilling 3-2 victory over Elche, a 0-0 draw with Celta Vigo, a 2-1 win against Espanyol, and a 4-1 loss to Real Madrid.

AFC Bournemouth arrive in San Sebastián seeking their first Premier League victory of the season, having drawn three of their opening four league fixtures. Their most recent outing was a dramatic 2-2 draw with Brentford, where Justin Kluivert and Marcus Tavernier found the net. Prior to that, Marco Rose's side recorded a 4-0 EFL Cup victory over Lincoln City, alongside 2-2 and 1-1 draws against Newcastle United and Everton respectively, and a narrow 2-1 loss to Manchester City.

Team News & Confirmed Lineups

Both teams line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation. For Real Sociedad, Unai Marrero starts in goal behind a defensive line featuring Hector Fort, Luken Beitia, Jon Martin Vicente, and Sergio Gomez. In midfield, Benat Turrientes pairs with Yangel Herrera, while Takefusa Kubo, Job Ochieng, and Mikel Oiarzabal support striker Orri Steinn Oskarsson. The hosts are missing injured defenders Alvaro Odriozola and Igor Zubeldia.

Bournemouth start with Michele Di Gregorio in goal behind defenders Adam Smith, Antonio Silva, James Hill, and Adrien Truffert. Lewis Cook and Alex Scott anchor the midfield, with Rayan, Justin Kluivert, and Marcus Tavernier supporting forward Evanilson. Marco Rose is without injured players Julian Araujo, Veljko Milosavljevic, and Elie Kroupi.

Key Players to Watch

Mikel Oiarzabal remains the focal point for Real Sociedad, leading the attack alongside dynamic talent Takefusa Kubo. For the visiting Cherries, striker Evanilson will look to break through the home defense, supported by the attacking midfield trio of Justin Kluivert, Marcus Tavernier, and young talent Rayan.

Match Outlook & Prediction

Although the two sides have previously met in pre-season friendly fixtures—including two draws in August 2025 and a 2-1 win for Real Sociedad in July 2022—this marks their first official competitive clash. With Bournemouth showing resilience in attack but struggling to close out leads, and Real Sociedad looking to reset after domestic defensive lapses, a closely fought, tactical encounter is expected under the floodlights in San Sebastián.