EPL: Sunderland Beat Chelsea to Claim Europa League Place

Own Goal and red card help Sunderland seal Europa League spot

The Black Cats ended Chelsea’s European hopes with a 2-1 win. Palmer’s goal wasn’t enough as Sunderland finished seventh.

Malo Gusto’s own goal and Wesley Fofana’s red card swung the game Sunderland’s way. Chelsea miss out on Europe after a 10th-place finish...

Sunderland shocked Chelsea with a 2-1 home victory to clinch a spot in European competition for the first time since 1973. The result also ended Chelsea’s chances. The Black Cats are the first club since Wolves in 2018/19 to reach the UEFA Europa League in their first Premier League season after promotion.

Going unbeaten in three May matches with one win and two draws gave Sunderland a chance heading into the final day. Still, only a win would let them pass Chelsea and secure a European place.

Early chances for Cole Palmer and Enzo Le Fee led to nothing. Sunderland quickly seized control though, keeping Chelsea pinned back under sustained pressure.

The pressure paid off in the 25th minute. The ball fell to Trai Hume inside the box, and he struck a first-time volley inside the near post.

Chelsea had gone 16 league games without a clean sheet and looked for a response. The visitors missed a good chance before halftime when Joao Pedro headed wide.

Chelsea needed to respond, and they did six minutes later. Cole Palmer ended a 14-game goal drought for club and country with a low finish past Robin Roefs.

Just as Chelsea looked back in it, Wesley Fofana was sent off for a second yellow card after pulling down Wilson Isidor.

Habib Diarra had a chance to make it 3-1 but lifted his effort over at the back post. Sunderland held firm anyway, seeing out a famous win that capped an outstanding return to the Premier League.

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

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2026

Sunderland’s second win ever in 17 final-day Premier League games, with 3 draws and 12 losses in the others, carries huge weight. They finish seventh and head to Europe after going unbeaten in their last four matches with 2 wins and 2 draws.

For Chelsea, Calum McFarlane will be replaced by incoming manager Xabi Alonso. Alonso takes over a side that finished 10th and missed out on Europe entirely, a disappointing end for the current UEFA Conference League holders.