Credit : Premier League's X
PRAGUE, November 5, 2026 – Bournemouth maintained their perfect start to the UEFA Europa League as substitutes Tyler Adams, Evanilson and Rayan struck to secure a 3-1 comeback victory over 10-man Sparta Prague at the epet ARENA on Thursday.
The win was the Cherries’ fourth in four matches in their debut European campaign and lifted Marco Rose’s side to the top of the league-phase table with 12 points. It also extended their winning run to seven consecutive matches in all competitions, their first such streak since November 2014.
Sparta strike first
Rose made eight changes from the weekend Premier League win over Leeds United, and the visitors struggled early on in the Czech capital. Bournemouth midfielder Lewis Cook missed a chance to open the scoring when his penalty struck the post in the 30th minute.
Five minutes later, Gambian forward Ebrima Singhateh punished the miss, running from his own half to score a fine individual goal and put Sparta ahead.
The game turned in the 37th minute when Sparta defender Tobias Guddal was sent off for a second yellow card after pulling down Alvaro Rodriguez.
Bench makes the difference
Rose turned to his regulars after the interval, sending Adams on at half-time. The American midfielder made an immediate impact, equalising in the 57th minute after Amine Adli had pounced on a mistake in the Sparta defence.
Bournemouth piled on the pressure and went ahead nine minutes from time when Evanilson, set up by Ryan Christie, produced a superb finish from inside the area. Evanilson then turned provider in stoppage time, teeing up Rayan to fire in the third from just outside the box.
The Premier League highlighted the result on X, saying “the perfect Europa League start continues” for Bournemouth after goals from Adams, Evanilson and Rayan “seal another victory for the Cherries”.
Adams praises squad depth
Speaking to TNT Sports after the match, Adams said: “When you are playing every three days, it was nice to give guys an opportunity and show the depth of our squad. To bring guys on later and bring that energy, showed what we are capable of.”
He also praised the in-form Evanilson, who has scored six goals this season, all in his past seven games. “He’s on fire right now,” Adams said. “He does extra work on his finishing every day after training so for him to do it in a game is no surprise.”
What’s next
Bournemouth, who opened their Europa League campaign with wins over Real Sociedad, Sturm Graz and AC Milan, return to Premier League action this weekend with a trip to Ipswich Town.
Source: Premier League (@premierleague) on X, BBC Sport, AFP
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