AFC Bournemouth maintained their perfect start to European football with a 3-1 comeback victory over ten-man Sparta Praha on Thursday.
Goals from Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan overturned Ebrima Singhateh's first-half opener, securing a fourth consecutive Europa League victory for Marco Rose's side.
The result took Bournemouth to 12 points and temporarily top of the league-phase standings, ahead of Ferencváros on goal difference.
Bournemouth punished after Lewis Cook penalty miss
Sparta threatened early through Jonatan Braut Brunes, but Bournemouth had the clearest opportunity to take control.
Ki-Jana Hoever handled inside the penalty area, giving Lewis Cook the chance to open the scoring.
The Bournemouth captain struck the inside of the post, however, and the ball rolled across goal before going wide.
Sparta punished that miss in the 35th minute when Singhateh collected goalkeeper Jakub Surovcík's long throw, beat two defenders and finished past Michele Di Gregorio.
The hosts' advantage quickly became more difficult to defend.
Tobias Guddal received a second yellow card in the 37th minute after holding Álvaro Rodríguez, leaving Sparta to protect their lead with ten players.
Tyler Adams and Evanilson inspire second-half comeback
Rose responded by introducing Adams at half-time, adding fresh energy to Bournemouth's midfield.
The American equalised in the 57th minute, striking a loose ball from outside the penalty area into the bottom corner.
Despite their numerical advantage, Bournemouth still had to work for the winner.
Rose introduced Evanilson, Marcus Tavernier and Adrien Truffert as his side increased the pressure.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 81st minute when Ryan Christie dispossessed Santiago Eneme and released Evanilson, who curled his finish beyond Surovcík.
Rayan seals victory as Cherries take top spot
Rayan completed the comeback in the 90th minute with a powerful long-range strike.
The result preserved Bournemouth's remarkable start to their first European campaign.
Having already beaten Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz and AC Milan, the Cherries now have four victories from four Europa League matches.
Their 12-point return and +9 goal difference put them ahead of Ferencváros after Thursday's early fixtures.
Key Points
- Bournemouth beat Sparta Praha 3-1 in Prague.
- Cook missed a first-half penalty.
- Guddal was dismissed in the 37th minute.
- Adams, Evanilson and Rayan completed the comeback.
- Bournemouth have won all four European matches.
What's Next?
Bournemouth visit Celta Vigo on 26 November in their next Europa League fixture.
Rose's side will aim to extend their winning sequence and strengthen their position in the race for direct qualification to the last 16.
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