It was a night soundtracked by the Impossible Dream.
And it was no coincidence that was the song chosen at the Vitality Stadium before Bournemouth’s first European home game in the club’s 127-year history.
As supporters lucky enough to bag a ticket for the historic occasion waved flags to the Andy Williams classic, a giant tifo rose from behind one of the stands, bearing the words ‘Minus 17 to European dreams. AFC Bournemouth, established 1899’.
As recently as 2008, a night like this would have been unthinkable for Cherries supporters.
Just 18 years ago, Bournemouth were facing the prospect of no longer existing.
After entering administration, the club were relegated from League One after being handed a 10-point deduction.
But that was not the end of their troubles. To be allowed to compete in the 2008-09 season, Bournemouth, then managed by Eddie Howe, had to accept a further 17-point deduction in League Two.
It left them at the bottom of the Football League and seemingly destined for life as a non-league side.
By the end of the season, the Cherries had not only completed one of the greatest escapes in English football history to secure a 21st-place finish and survival, but had also laid the foundations for a decade of success, which culminated in a first promotion to the Premier League in 2015.
Fast-forward to the present day and Bournemouth are making history for all the right reasons in the Europa League. Thursday’s 3-0 win over Sturm Graz meant they became only the second English side to win their first two matches in a major European competition since Bolton achieved the feat in the Uefa Cup 21 years ago.
“It’s a moment that will live long in their memories,” former defender Joel Ward told TNT Sports. “The club should relish this night.
“The owner [Bill Foley] manifested this moment when he first came into the club. He set the standards for this club, he has invested a lot into it and he wanted to see this club in Europe.
“He got his wish, and they have certainly started incredibly well so far.”