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Bournemouth earn historic win over Sturm Graz
Alvaro Rodriguez (left) and Evanilson celebrate
Image caption, Goalscorer Evanilson is the most expensive signing in Bournemouth's history
Keifer MacDonald

BBC Sport journalist

Bournemouth marked their first European game on home soil with a hard-fought win over Sturm Graz on a historic night at Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries made it two wins from as many matches in the Europa League league phase thanks to a stunning header from forward Evanilson followed by late strikes from Rayan and Alvaro Rodriguez.

After beating Real Sociedad in their opening tie last month, the win against the Austrian side means Bournemouth are the first English club since Bolton in 2005 to win their first two European matches.

It always felt as though the occasion was destined to be special on the south coast, as a record number of supporters flocked to witness a night of celebration.

The Cherries fans lucky enough to get a ticket for the momentous occasion were treated to a lively pre-match fireworks display. Behind one of the goals, the home supporters unveiled an impressive tifo paying homage to the club's incredible journey from the depths of League Two all the way to the Europa League.

But last season's Austrian Bundesliga runners-up proved to be stubborn opponents and prevented Bournemouth from registering a shot on target in the opening 25 minutes.

The home side thought they had broken the deadlock moments before the half-hour mark when Bafode Diakite bundled the ball over the line from a corner, but his effort was quickly ruled out for handball.

It took until two minutes before half-time, but Bournemouth's persistence eventually paid dividends when Evanilson angled a wonderful, looping header over Danil Khudyakov after connecting with Adam Smith's cross from the right.

The Brazilian striker, who found the back of the net for the first time since February during Saturday's defeat at Chelsea, displayed incredible technique to open the scoring and ease the pressure on his side.

After spending much of the first half camped inside their own half, Sturm Graz burst into life after the restart and could have been level had Djordje Petrovic not produced a strong save to deny Jacob Hodl, seconds after Jurgen Heil's effort had crashed against the post.

Substitute Rayan made sure of the victory 14 minutes from time, scoring his second goal in as many Europa League appearances this season, before Rodriguez added the gloss to a memorable night by converting a penalty in stoppage time.

More to follow.

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