The Cherries’ European dream is closer than ever | OneFootball

A few months ago, AFC Bournemouth’s season appeared to be drifting towards disappointment.

The Cherries were sat 15th in the Premier League table, uncertainty surrounded Andoni Iraola's future, and the sale of Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City threatened to completely derail the campaign. Instead, Bournemouth have responded with one of the most remarkable turnarounds in European football.

Their 1-0 victory away at Fulham extended an astonishing 16-match unbeaten run in the Premier League - currently the longest active streak across Europe’s top five leagues. That result left Bournemouth in sixth place and moved them to the brink of a historic first qualification for European football.

And remarkably, the dream may not stop there. Champions League football is still mathematically possible for the Cherries. If Aston Villa finish fifth and also win the Europa League final against Freiburg, then sixth place in the Premier League would secure a Champions League spot - opening the door for Bournemouth to reach Europe’s biggest competition for the first time in their history.

The south coast club now head into their final two matches of the season against Manchester City and Nottingham Forest victories could complete one of the greatest achievements in the club’s history. Their unbeaten run has already seen them outperform some of Europe’s biggest sides, with only Bayern Munich (14) and the Citizens (13) coming close to matching their current form.

What makes the achievement even more impressive is the backdrop surrounding the club. During this incredible run, Iraola confirmed he will leave at the end of the season, with former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose already announced as his successor. Rather than allowing the uncertainty to disrupt momentum, Bournemouth have continued to play fearless, high-energy football.

Rayan’s winner at Craven Cottage perfectly summed up Bournemouth’s evolution under Iraola. The Brazilian has now scored three goals in his last three matches and looks like the latest success story in a squad built on smart recruitment and relentless intensity.

The numbers underline just how special this season has become. Bournemouth are on 55 points, only two shy of their Premier League record, and sit just three goals away from surpassing last season’s tally. From relegation fears in January to dreams of the Champions League in May, Bournemouth’s rise has been nothing short of sensational.