How Sunderland can qualify for Europe on final day ahead of Chelsea clash

If you had told the Sunderland faithful that just over 12 months ago that ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League final day, that the Black Cats would be in with a chance of qualifying for Europe, even the most optimistic fan would not have believed it. 

However, the upcoming clash against Chelsea could send Regis Le Bris’ side into European contention come next season. 

Following Sunderland’s comeback victory at Everton on Sunday, they sit ninth in the top flight table on 51 points and have as such given themselves a great chance of defying their doubters. 

Only the reigning Club World Cup champions, Chelsea, stand in their way on the final day of the campaign, with other results also need to go in the Black Cats’ favour.

On Sunderland’s part, their task is simple, to beat the Blues, who will be managed by Xabi Alonso next season,  at the Stadium of Light.

Earlier this season, the Black Cats beat Chelsea 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge in another comeback victory, courtesy of Chemsdine Talbi’s late winner. 

Chelsea have just one win in their last seven outings in all competitions, and were most recently beaten 1-0 by Manchester City in the FA Cup final, but will face Tottenham Hotspur on home soil on Tuesday evening prior to their Wearside trip. 

As well as the inevitably tricky test ahead against Chelsea, Le Bris and his Sunderland squad will also be keeping a keen eye on those around them in the table on Sunday afternoon. 

Currently, Sunderland sit ninth on 51 points, with Brentford eighth on 52, Brighton in seventh on 53, and Chelsea could go to eight if they beat Spurs mid-week.

Therefore, for Sunderland to secure European football, they must beat Chelsea to finish on 54 points, at the same time as Brentford fail to win at Liverpool and Brighton lose at home to Manchester United.

Away from Wearside, neither Crystal Palace winning the Conference League or Aston Villa hoisting the Europa League trophy would impact Sunderland's Europe hopes, as long as things go their way on Sunday, with a spot in the Europa League remarkably still up for grabs.

If all permutations occur, then the Black Cats could finish in the Europa League places rather than the Conference League. 

Which is a truly sensational statement considering the Wearsiders beat Sheffield United at Wembley for the 2025/26 Championship play-off final a year ago on Sunday.

Aside from the European equation, Sunderland will be desperate to win on final day in pure spite of their north east neighbours Newcastle United, with a win ensuring they’d finish above Eddie Howe’s side and rub even more salt in the Geordie wounds which will still be stinging from the Tyne-Wear derby comeback. 

Regardless of Sunday’s result, it will remain an incredible achievement this season from Le Bris and his squad, but it would be a true fairytale finish to the season if Sunderland conclude the campaign in the European places.