Sunderland secured European football for the first time since 1973 after beating Chelsea 2-1 on the final day of the Premier League season.

Sunderland capped off a remarkable return to the Premier League by securing European football for the first time since 1973 with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light.

Defeat at the Stadium of Light.#CFC | #SUNCHE pic.twitter.com/9Pli3o3u3y

— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) May 24, 2026

The Black Cats finished seventh and became the first newly promoted side since Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2018/19 to qualify for the UEFA Europa League in their first season back in the top flight.

EUROPA LEAGUE FOOTBALL IS COMING TO SUNDERLAND! pic.twitter.com/Up6w6rnm9L

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2026

Heading into the final day, Sunderland knew only a victory would give them a chance of overtaking Chelsea in the standings.

Both teams threatened briefly in the opening exchanges through Cole Palmer and Enzo Le Fee, but neither could make their early attacks count. Sunderland quickly settled into the contest and began to dominate possession, pinning the visitors back with sustained attacking pressure.

Their persistence was rewarded in the 25th minute when Trai Hume reacted quickest inside the area. The defender met a loose ball with a sharp first-time volley that squeezed inside the near post, sending the Stadium of Light into celebration.

Chelsea, meanwhile, continued to struggle defensively, extending a worrying run without a clean sheet. Joao Pedro came closest to an equaliser before half-time, but his header drifted off target as the Blues failed to make the most of their opportunities.

Sunderland carried their momentum into the second half and nearly doubled their lead when Brian Brobbey was denied in a one-on-one situation by Robert Sanchez. However, the second goal arrived moments later in fortunate fashion as Brobbey’s low cross deflected off Malo Gusto and into the Chelsea net for an own goal.

The visitors responded quickly through Palmer, who ended his long goal drought with a low finish past Robin Roefs to bring Chelsea back into the game. But just as momentum appeared to swing in their favour, Wesley Fofana was shown a second yellow card after dragging down Wilson Isidor during a dangerous Sunderland counterattack.

Habib Diarra wasted a golden chance to put the result beyond doubt late on, lifting an effort over the bar from close range. Still, Sunderland held firm in the closing stages to complete one of the stories of the season and seal a famous victory in front of their home supporters.

The win ensures Sunderland will play Europa League football next season after an outstanding campaign back in the Premier League.

For Chelsea, the defeat confirmed a miserable 10th-place finish and no European qualification, bringing Calum McFarlane’s interim spell to a disappointing end ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival at Stamford Bridge.

Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea will 𝐧𝐨𝐭 be playing in Europe next season as they finish 10th in the league ❌ pic.twitter.com/8DWwYyhxWG

— B/R Football (@brfootball) May 24, 2026