Sunderland 2-1 Chelsea: Black Cats clinch European qualification for the first time in 53 years

Sunderland defeated Chelsea 2-1 at the Stadium of Light on the final day of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Cole Palmer was presented with an early opportunity to fire the visitors ahead after latching onto Pedro Neto’s through ball, but Robin Roefs produced a fine save to deny him.

Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fee forced Robert Sanchez into a save with a powerful effort from inside the area.

Trai Hume broke the deadlock in the 25th minute after a long ball from Roefs was flicked into his path by Luke O’Nien before volleying past Sanchez.

Brian Brobbey could’ve doubled the Black Cats’ advantage, but he drilled his effort into the side netting.

Joao Pedro squandered a glorious opportunity to draw Chelsea level after he met Malo Gusto’s cross at the back post, but he headed wide.

Sunderland came agonisingly close to a second after the break as Brobbey broke through on goal, but Sanchez saved his effort.

The hosts doubled their lead when Brobbey’s effort Le Fee’s pass deflected in off Gusto for an own goal.

Palmer pulled one back for the Blues, drilling an effort from 20 yards beyond Roefs.

Chelsea were reduced to 10 men when Wesley Fofana was shown a second yellow card following his foul on Wilson Isidor.

Habib Diarra could’ve restored the hosts’ two-goal advantage, but he fired over from close range. Palmer dragged an effort well over the bar at the other end.

Reece James almost restored parity for Chelsea, but Roefs comfortably gathered his long-range effort.

Sunderland have finished seventh in the Premier League standings to book their spot in next season’s Europa League. Chelsea missed out on European qualification after finishing 10th.