Sunderland beat Chelsea to seal Europa League spot

Sunderland secured qualification for next season’s Europa League with a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on the final day of the Premier League season, capping a remarkable rise from League One to European competition in just four years.

Trai Hume opened the scoring for Sunderland in the 25th minute with a first-time volley, and an own goal from Chelsea’s Malo Gusto early in the second half doubled the lead. Cole Palmer pulled one back for the visitors, but Chelsea’s hopes of a comeback were dealt a blow when Wesley Fofana was sent off after receiving a second yellow card just past the hour mark. Sunderland held on to claim the three points, and with other results going their way, the Black Cats finished seventh in the final standings, securing direct entry into the Europa League league phase.

Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris, appointed in June 2024 after being relegated from Ligue 1 with Lorient, has overseen a dramatic turnaround. The club was promoted through the Championship playoffs last season and was widely expected to struggle in the Premier League. Instead, they never flirted with relegation and secured European football with a win over the Club World...