English Premier League side Bournemouth came from behind to secure a 3-1 victory over Sparta Praha in their UEFA Europa League encounter in Prague on Thursday, recovering from a missed penalty and an early setback to claim all three points.
The hosts took the lead in the 35th minute through Ebrima Singhateh, who finished a swift counterattack after goalkeeper Jakub Surovčík provided the assist.
Bournemouth had missed an opportunity to open the scoring five minutes earlier when Lewis Cook struck the woodwork from the penalty spot.
Sparta’s advantage was short-lived, however, as their task became more difficult when Tobias Kvalvagnes Guddal received a second yellow card in the 37th minute, reducing the home side to 10 men before the break.
Bournemouth capitalised on their numerical advantage after the restart, with Tyler Adams drawing the visitors level in the 57th minute.
The midfielder guided a right-footed effort into the bottom-left corner to bring his side back into the contest.
The visitors continued to dominate proceedings and completed the turnaround in the 81st minute when Ryan Christie set up Evanilson, who finished to put Bournemouth ahead.
Evanilson then turned provider in stoppage time, setting up Rayan to seal the 3-1 victory.
Bournemouth finished the encounter with 59 per cent possession, 20 shots compared to Sparta’s 12 and nine attempts on target against the hosts’ three.
They also won 10 corners, while Sparta managed three.
Defender Bafodé Diakité was named the highest-rated player of the match, earning an 8.5 rating for his impressive defensive and passing contributions.
He recorded 112 touches, completed 80 of 90 passes, made five tackles and four interceptions, and won eight of his nine duels.
Although Diakité received the highest individual rating, Bournemouth forward Evanilson was the fans’ choice for Player of the Match, collecting 154 votes out of 635 after contributing a goal and an assist.
