Sunderland become fifth promoted club ever to reach Europe | OneFootball

Four years ago, Sunderland were preparing for another season in League One. Next season, they will be travelling across Europe.

After beating Chelsea on the final day to secure seventh place, Régis Le Bris’ side booked a spot in next season’s UEFA Europa League and completed one of the stories of the season.

The Black Cats became only the fifth promoted side in Premier League history to qualify for Europe through league position in their first season back in the top flight. The last club to do it was Wolves in 2018/19 under Nuno Espírito Santo.

Before them came Newcastle United in 1993/94, Nottingham Forest in 1994/95 and Ipswich Town in 2000/01.

What makes Sunderland’s achievement stand out even more is the timing. In each of the previous two Premier League seasons, all three promoted clubs went straight back down. Burnley suffered the same fate this year, while Leeds United spent most of the season nervously looking over their shoulder.

There were difficult moments, naturally, but they looked comfortable in the division far quicker than anyone expected. Most predictions before the season had them finishing in the bottom three after eight years away from the top flight, including four spent in League One.

It is easy to forget how low the club had fallen. Consecutive relegations in 2017 and 2018 left Sunderland drifting in the third tier, carrying Premier League expectations in League One stadiums. Promotion in 2022 finally stopped the slide. Winning the Championship play-off final against Sheffield United last year brought them back to where many supporters felt they belonged.

Now the club is heading back into Europe for the first time since 1974. From League One uncertainty to continental football in four years, Sunderland’s rise has been extraordinary.