Bournemouth maintain perfect Europa League record with comeback win over Sparta Prague

Bournemouth continued their impressive start to their debut UEFA Europa League campaign with a 3-1 comeback victory over Sparta Prague on Thursday. 

The Premier League side recovered from a first-half deficit to secure their fourth consecutive win in the competition and extend their winning run in all competitions to seven matches.

Sparta Prague took the lead in the 35th minute through Ebrima Singhateh, who produced an impressive individual effort to beat Adam Smith and Lewis Cook before finishing past the Bournemouth goalkeeper. 

The hosts had started brightly and created early opportunities, while Bournemouth struggled to establish control despite making eight changes to their starting lineup.

The home side’s advantage was short-lived as defender Tobias Guddal was sent off just two minutes later after receiving a second yellow card for pulling down Alvaro Rodriguez. 

Bournemouth had earlier missed a chance to take the lead when Lewis Cook struck the post from the penalty spot after a handball by Ki-Jana Hoever.

Bournemouth manager Marco Rose introduced Tyler Adams at half-time, and the American midfielder made an immediate impact.

Adams restored parity in the 57th minute after Amine Adli capitalized on a defensive mistake to start the attack. 

The equalizer shifted the momentum in favor of the visitors, who began to dominate possession and put Sparta under sustained pressure.

The Cherries eventually completed their comeback in the 81st minute when substitute Evanilson produced an excellent finish from inside the penalty area to put his side ahead. 

The Brazilian, who has now scored six goals this season, continued his impressive form, finding the net in six of his last seven appearances.

Another substitute, Rayan, sealed the victory in the 90th minute with a strike from just outside the penalty area. 

The result gives Bournemouth four wins from four matches in the Europa League league stage, maintaining their perfect record in their first European campaign. The victory also extends their winning streak across all competitions to seven games.