Bournemouth's remarkable rise continues after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Fulham, and suddenly, the unthinkable is within reach: Champions League football. The Cherries have never played in European competition before, but this win has them dreaming of the continent's biggest stage.

Sitting three points behind fifth-placed Aston Villa—though with one more game played—Bournemouth are the Premier League's form team. This victory marks their fourth win in five matches, and with Liverpool still within striking distance, the race for Europe is heating up. The Reds face a tricky trip to Villa Park followed by a home clash with in-form Brentford, leaving the door slightly ajar for the south coast side.

The schedule ahead is daunting but navigable. Next up is a home test against Manchester City, but that's followed by a final-day trip to Nottingham Forest, who may already be mathematically safe from relegation by then. For a club that's never tasted European nights, the prospect of Champions League anthem at the Vitality Stadium is electrifying.

Much of the credit goes to their teenage sensation, Rayan, who scored his third goal in as many Premier League games. His strike was the 56th goal either scored or assisted by a teenager in the league this season—the most since 2006-07 (58). Bournemouth's 17 goals from teenagers this term puts them in elite company, with only Liverpool (1994-95, 1997-98, 1998-99) having more in a single Premier League campaign.

But this win also highlighted what the Cherries will lose this summer. Manager Andoni Iraola, who will depart at season's end, showed masterful game management. Even down to 10 men, Bournemouth barely looked troubled by Fulham, with only a late Josh King chance threatening their clean sheet. If this is a farewell tour, Iraola is making it one to remember—and one that could end with a place among Europe's elite.