Real Sociedad to host Bournemouth at Reale Arena in Europa League opener on September 17

Real Sociedad will host AFC Bournemouth at the Reale Arena on September 17 for their first league phase fixture of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27, with Bournemouth making their debut on the European stage.

Real Sociedad enter the match under coach Pellegrino Matarazzo after a 0-3 LaLiga defeat to Atletico Madrid and amid inconsistent recent results; the hosts return to European competition seeking a positive start at home. Bournemouth, managed by Marco Rose, qualified for the Europa League after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season and arrive unbeaten in their last four matches.

Bournemouth’s elevation to continental competition is a first for the club and follows their top-six finish in England; Marco Rose’s squad will aim to maintain the four-match unbeaten run as they travel to the Reale Arena. The source notes Bournemouth have capable players and will be aiming for their first three points in the competition.

Real Sociedad will rely on 29-year-old Spanish midfielder Carlos Soler, who was described as the top performer for his side despite the 0-3 loss to Atletico Madrid and is expected to play both in midfield and the attacking front. The preview states Soler put in a lot of hard work in that defeat and will look to supply passes that can trouble the visitors.

Marcus Tavernier is highlighted as Bournemouth’s main attacking threat after scoring a crucial goal in the Premier League match against Brentford; the 27-year-old English winger has three goals in four league appearances this season. The source adds Tavernier will be looking to make his mark on the European stage.

Injury updates list Igor Zubeldia and Alvaro Odriozola as injured for Real Sociedad, while Pablo Marin is back in training and might feature from the bench. For AFC Bournemouth, Junior Kroupi, Veljko Milosavljevic, Julian Araujo and Amine Adli are not in action due to injury.

Projected lineups provided in the preview are: Real Sociedad — Remiro (GK); Aramburu, Beitia, Sarr, Gomez; Herrera, Soler; Barrenetxea, Sucic, Guedes; Oyarzabal. AFC Bournemouth — Petrovic (GK); Smith, Hill, Silva, Truffert; Adams, Scott; Rayan, Kluivert, Tavernier; Evanilson. The outlet’s prediction for the fixture is: Real Sociedad 1-2 Bournemouth.

The match is scheduled for September 17 at the Reale Arena and, for viewers in India, will be available on the Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV.