Sturm unrewarded for spirited performance in Bournemouth

SK Sturm Graz suffered a 0-2 defeat against AFC Bournemouth on the second matchday of the UEFA Europa League group stage.

The "Blackies" managed to keep the opening phase open, with Tavernier registering the first good scoring opportunity for the Premier League club (14').

The "Cherries" subsequently increased the pressure and seemingly celebrated taking the lead after 30 minutes. After a corner, the ball struck Diakite's hand before he netted. However, the goal was rightly disallowed (30').

Trailing at the break

Moments later, Sturm was lucky again when a magnificent shot from Tavernier crashed against the post. Goalkeeper Khuydakov would have been helpless (32').

Shortly before halftime, there was a penalty scare in Bournemouth's box after Beganovic went down. However, the Sturm forward was guilty of simulation against Smith and was rightly booked (42').

Almost immediately at the other end, the team led by former Salzburg coach Marco Rose took the lead. Evanilson brilliantly headed home a cross from Smith, the ball looping high over Khudyakov and into the net (43').

Heil only hits the post

Sturm emerged from the dressing room with momentum, attempting to actively press Bournemouth. Seidl shot wide of the far post from the right (52'), while captain Gorenc Stankovic shot well over the bar (59').

Then Fabio Ingolitsch's side found their best chance to equalize. Heil struck directly after an optimal pass, his powerful shot hitting the post, and Petrovic made an excellent save from Hödl's rebound (62').

At the other end, Evanilson almost made it 2-0, but the Brazilian didn't connect properly with the ball. Khudyakov was thus able to prevent what could have been a decisive goal for the time being (64').

Bournemouth seals the deal

However, as the final quarter of an hour began, the Russian misjudged a corner, and Rayan's subsequent shot slipped through the Sturm goalkeeper's grasp and into the net - 0-2 (76').

With that, the Graz side's hopes were dashed, and Bournemouth comfortably saw out their lead - even extending it to 3-0. Khudyakov had made several saves earlier, but after a corner, referee Brisard pointed to the penalty spot.

Gorenc Stankovic had deflected a shot from Hill with his hands, and Rodriguez converted the resulting penalty into the middle (90'+2).

First defeat for Sturm

Following their opening 0-0 draw against Stade Rennes, Sturm suffered their first defeat in this year's Europa League group stage at the hands of Bournemouth.

The "Cherries", on the other hand, celebrated their second victory, standing in sixth place with six points. Sturm remains on one point and in 28th place. Next Thursday, the "Blackies" face another top club in Olympique Marseille.