Bournemouth will make their European debut tonight, facing Real Sociedad in their first-ever Europa League match. This marks the first time in 126 years the club will compete against teams outside England and Wales.
The Cherries qualified for the Europa League after achieving a record-high sixth-place finish in the Premier League last season under manager Andoni Iraola. Their campaign will also see them play against opponents from Norway, Israel, and AC Milan at the San Siro.
Despite their stadium being smaller than Tottenham's South Stand, Bournemouth are listed alongside Brentford and Brighton as model clubs for maximising resources. They are currently considered fourth favourites to win the Europa League trophy, behind only Leverkusen, Juventus, and Milan.
The club's strategy involves consistent recruitment of athletic footballers who fit an intense playing style. They have also invested in a new training ground and are redeveloping the Vitality Stadium to increase capacity to over 20,000 seats.