Real Sociedad host Bournemouth in Europa League opener

Real Sociedad begin their Europa League league-phase campaign against Bournemouth at Anoeta on Thursday, 17 September 2026, with kick-off at 19:00 GMT.

The Spanish side return to European competition after a year away, having qualified by winning the Copa del Rey. Their previous European campaign ended in the last 16 of the 2024/25 Europa League, where they were eliminated by Manchester United.

Real Sociedad have never beaten an English team at home, recording two draws and three defeats. That record will offer encouragement to Bournemouth before the clubs meet for the first time.

Form and European experience

Real Sociedad go into the match looking to respond to Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Atletico Madrid. That result ended a run of three games without defeat, comprising two wins and one draw.

Pellegrino Matarazzo’s side have also struggled to produce consistent results at the Reale Arena. They have won only once in their past seven home matches, alongside three draws and three defeats.

Bournemouth are making their European debut after finishing sixth in the Premier League last season, four years after winning promotion to the division.

The Cherries have made a difficult start to the current campaign. They took the lead in each of their first four matches but failed to win any of them, a first in Premier League history for the club. Their record during that run was three draws and one defeat.

Marco Rose has considerable Europa League experience, with 17 wins, eight draws and seven defeats from 32 matches, but is still seeking his first victory in the competition with Bournemouth.

Away from home, Bournemouth have been difficult to beat. They have lost only once since December, with that defeat coming against Manchester City.

Match details and broadcasters

The match will be played at Anoeta on Thursday, 17 September 2026, at 19:00 GMT.

It will be shown on Canal+ Sport in France; HBO Max in the United Kingdom; Movistar Plus+ in Spain; RTL+ in Germany; Canal+ in Austria; RTBF, Telenet, BeTV and VRT in Belgium; Paramount+, DAZN, TUDN and ViX in the United States; DAZN in Canada; Sky in Italy; Ziggo Sport in the Netherlands; Sport TV and DAZN in Portugal; SuperSport and New World TV in sub-Saharan Africa; and beIN Sports in MENA.

Both teams have shown defensive vulnerability, while Bournemouth have often scored before allowing opponents back into matches. Africafoot’s prediction is a 2-2 draw.

The listed betting prices are 2.70 for a Real Sociedad win, 3.50 for a draw and 2.25 for a Bournemouth victory.