Sunderland beats Chelsea 2-1 to secure Europa League spot
On the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season, Sunderland defeated ten-man Chelsea 2-1 at the Stadium of Light, securing seventh place and a Europa League berth. Trai Hume’s volley and a Malo Gusto own goal gave Sunderland a 2-0 lead; Cole Palmer’s strike was only a consolation. Wesley Fofana’s red card hindered Chelsea’s comeback. Brighton’s loss confirmed Sunderland’s qualification, while Chelsea finished tenth and will miss European football next season under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
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Sunderland's Remarkable Rise: From League One to Europa League in Four Years
Sunderland secured a spot in next season's Europa League after a 2-1 victory over Chelsea on the final day of the Premier League season. Trai Hume, who joined the club for £200,000 when they were in League One in January 2022, scored the decisive goal with a first-time volley. The win capped an extraordinary four-year journey from the third tier of English football to European competition, ending a 53-year absence from Europe for the Black Cats. Sunderland had previously earned promotion to the Championship and then to the Premier League via play-offs. Head coach Regis le Bris described the achievement as 'amazing' and 'outstanding', praising the fans and the team's focus. Hume expressed disbelief at reaching Europe, calling it a dream come true.
BBC SportSunderland 2-1 Chelsea: Ten-man Blues fall short of Europe after dismal showing on Wearside
Sunderland secured a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, confirming their place in the Europa League next season. Trai Hume opened the scoring in the 25th minute, and Malo Gusto's own goal early in the second half doubled the lead. Cole Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea in the 56th minute, but Wesley Fofana was sent off six minutes later after a second yellow card. Chelsea, who started the day in eighth, dropped to 10th and missed out on European qualification by one point. Sunderland's win capped a remarkable return to the Premier League, exactly one year after their promotion from the Championship.
The StandardSunderland Qualify for Europa League After Defeating 10-Man Chelsea
Sunderland secured a sensational seventh-place finish in the Premier League and qualification for the Europa League by defeating Chelsea 2-1 at the Stadium of Light. Trai Hume opened the scoring in the 25th minute with a volley, and a Malo Gusto own goal doubled the lead. Chelsea's Wesley Fofana was sent off in the 62nd minute for a second yellow card. Cole Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea, but Sunderland held on. The result caps a remarkable rise for Sunderland, who were promoted from the Championship a year ago and were relegation favorites. Manager Régis Le Bris, who signed 14 players last summer, praised his team's achievement. Chelsea, who finished 10th, saw their own European hopes dashed.
Sport | The GuardianSunderland vs Chelsea LIVE: Premier League result, latest updates and fan reaction
Sunderland defeated ten-man Chelsea 2-1 on the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season, securing a 2-1 victory at the Stadium of Light. Trai Hume's volley and a Malo Gusto own goal gave Sunderland a 2-0 lead, before Cole Palmer pulled one back for Chelsea with a long-range strike. Wesley Fofana was sent off as Chelsea chased the game. The result, combined with Brighton's loss to Manchester United, meant Sunderland finished seventh and qualified for the Europa League, while Chelsea missed out on European football entirely. The win capped a stellar first season back in the top flight for Sunderland, exactly one year after their promotion from the Championship. Xabi Alonso is set to take over as Chelsea manager next season.
The StandardXabi Alonso's Chelsea Misses European Qualification After Sunderland Defeat
Chelsea, managed by Xabi Alonso, were eliminated from all European competition after a 2-1 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland's victory secured them seventh place in the Premier League and a spot in the next Europa League, while Chelsea finished tenth. The match saw Sunderland take a first-half lead through Hume, followed by an own goal from Chelsea's Malo Gusto early in the second half. Chelsea's Palmer pulled one back in the 56th minute, but their hopes were dashed when Wesley Fofana received a second yellow card and was sent off. Sunderland held on to complete a remarkable season story, leaving Chelsea without continental football.
PortadaSunderland Beat Chelsea 2-1 to Snatch Europa League Spot on Final Day
Sunderland defeated ten-man Chelsea 2-1 on the final day of the 2025-26 Premier League season, securing seventh place and a Europa League berth. Chelsea led the table heading into the match but needed a win to qualify for European competition. Trai Hume's volley and a Malo Gusto own goal put Sunderland ahead, while Cole Palmer's long-range strike was only a consolation. Wesley Fofana was sent off as Chelsea chased the game. Brighton's loss to Manchester United confirmed Sunderland's Europa League qualification. The result means Chelsea will play no European football next season under incoming manager Xabi Alonso.
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