Photo via BBC Sport

Minus 17 to European dreams as Bournemouth fairytale continues

AFC Bournemouth etched their name into history with a commanding 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz in their first-ever Europa League home game, marking a remarkable turnaround for a club that nearly vanished just 16 years ago. The Cherries, who faced administration and a 17-point deduction in 2008—leaving them at the bottom of League Two—have since transformed into a Premier League side and now a European competitor, achieving something only Bolton managed before them by winning their first two matches in a major continental competition.

The milestone was underscored by a pre-match celebration featuring a giant tifo and the song *The Impossible Dream*, reflecting the club’s improbable journey from near-extinction to continental football. Defender Adam Smith, the club’s longest-serving player, played a pivotal role, setting up Bournemouth’s first European goal with an assist to Evanilson, while owner Bill Foley’s long-term investment finally bore fruit with the club’s Europa League debut.

The win solidified Bournemouth’s status as one of English football’s most inspiring underdog stories, with players and fans alike savoring a night that felt destined for greatness.

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