AFC Bournemouth secured a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz at the Vitality Stadium, marking the club’s first European home match in its 127-year history. The Thursday win follows a historic 2008 relegation battle from -17 points and places the Cherries among only two English sides to win their first two matches in a major European competition since Bolton achieved the feat 21 years ago.
Vitality Stadium Welcomes European Football After 127 Years
Supporters at the Vitality Stadium waved flags to Andy Williams’ song The Impossible Dream
as a giant tifo rose behind the stands bearing the words ‘Minus 17 to European dreams. AFC Bournemouth, established 1899′. Thursday’s 3-0 victory against Sturm Graz marked the club’s first European home fixture.
The result in the Europa League means Bournemouth became only the second English side to win their first two matches in a major European competition since Bolton achieved the feat in the Uefa Cup 21 years ago. Former defender Joel Ward reflected on the milestone.
Ward added that the owner [Bill Foley] manifested this moment when he first came into the club. He got his wish, and they have certainly started incredibly well so far,
Ward said.
From Administration and Negative Points to the Premier League
The celebratory atmosphere on Thursday contrasted sharply with the club’s financial crisis in 2008. Entering administration, Bournemouth faced a 10-point deduction and relegation from League One. To compete in the 2008-09 League Two campaign under manager Eddie Howe, the club had to accept an additional 17-point deduction.
Left at the foot of the Football League, the Cherries engineered one of the greatest escapes in English football history. They secured a 21st-place finish to preserve their league status, setting in motion a decade of success that culminated in a first promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
Adam Smith Captains the Cherries Through a Historic Milestone
Right-back Adam Smith marked his own piece of history on the pitch. Initially joining the club on loan from Tottenham in 2011 before making the move permanent in 2014, Smith admitted at Wednesday’s pre-match press conference that he would never have imagined captaining the Cherries in Europe.
Smith delivered the cross that Evanilson headed home late in the first half for Bournemouth’s first European goal on home soil. Having made more than 430 appearances and helped the club secure three promotions, the 35-year-old received a standing ovation when James Hill replaced him midway through the second half.
It’s been a long time coming. The fans were up for it, the players were up for it, so we are very happy. We had a chat with each other and we got a reaction today. That’s an AFC [Bournemouth] performance right there.
Ward praised Smith’s longevity and dedication. He’s an example to everyone of what hard work looks like and the rewards that you get, even towards the latter stages of your career,
Ward noted. He’s extremely professional, and he fully deserves the success he’s getting now. Nights like this are what you live for. To walk out captaining that side is emotional and makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck.
Shifting Focus Back to Domestic Survival and AC Milan
While supporters remained in their seats long after the final whistle to savor the landmark result, the team’s attention quickly turns toward domestic competition. Manager Marco Rose, who succeeded Andoni Iraola in June, acknowledged that their Premier League campaign is yet to get going, with the club sitting 18th in the table and seeking their first league win of the season alongside Fulham and Tottenham.
The Cherries prepare to face Sunderland in the Premier League on Sunday before AC Milan visits the Vitality Stadium next week for the next fixture in their European campaign.