Sunderland stun Chelsea to seal Europa League qualification | OneFootball

Sunderland booked a place in the Europa League with a memorable 2-1 win over Chelsea at the Stadium of Light, sealing European qualification for the first time in 53 years and completing a remarkable season on Wearside.

The Black Cats knew victory was essential to leapfrog Chelsea and secure seventh place, and they started with real intent. After early pressure from both sides, Trai Hume broke the deadlock midway through the first half, reacting smartly to a loose ball and sending a crisp first-time volley past Robert Sánchez.

Chelsea struggled to find rhythm for much of the opening period, with only brief flashes from Cole Palmer and João Pedro offering any threat. Sunderland, though, remained in control and continued to look the more dangerous side after the break.

Their second goal arrived in slightly fortunate fashion when Brian Brobbey’s effort was turned into his own net by Malo Gusto, doubling the home side’s advantage. Palmer pulled one back shortly after with a low strike from distance to give Chelsea hope.

Any comeback was disrupted when Wesley Fofana was sent off after picking up a second yellow card, leaving the visitors a man down for the closing stages.

Sunderland held firm under late pressure to secure a famous victory and confirm a place in Europe, while Chelsea’s season ended in disappointment.

Incidents: The story of the match

Sunderland Official Line-ups:

Robin Roefs, Lutsharel Geertruida, Trai Hume, Luke O’Nien, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Mandava, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, Brian Brobbey, Nilson Angulo

Chelsea Official Line-ups:

Robert Sánchez, Malo Gusto, Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Jorrel Hato, Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernández, Moisés Caicedo, Cole Palmer, João Pedro, Pedro Neto

1':

The match begins

25':

GOAL Sunderland: Trai Hume (Sunderland) scores!

Trai Hume scores goal number 2 in the competition (38 matches)

50':

GOAL Chelsea: Malo Gusto (Chelsea) socres an own goal!

56':

GOAL Chelsea: Cole Palmer (Chelsea) scores!

Cole Palmer scores goal number 10 in the competition (26 matches) Cole Palmer scores goal number 55 for his team (132 matches)

62':

Red Card for Wesley Fofana (Chelsea)

Wesley Fofana has now picked up 1 red in the competition (25 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match