Sunderland's remarkable return to the Premier League finished with the fairytale ending as the Black Cats beat Chelsea to earn Europa League football.
Regis Le Bris side started the day knowing they needed to beat the Blues and results to go their own way to have a chance of qualifying for Europe at all. But a win at the jubilant Stadium of Light and Brighton's defeat to Manchester United saw them climb up to seventh.
Trai Hume and a Malo Gusto own goal deservedly gave the hosts victory after a dominant display, with Cole Palmer's strike purely a consolation on a day where the Blues played like they didn't want to qualify for Europe.
It appeared from the early goings that Calum McFarlane's side were going to build from their win against Tottenham as Palmer, fresh off his World Cup omission, spurned a great chance in the opening five minutes. From then on, it was one way traffic.
Sunderland kept Chelsea pinned in their own half for the majority of the first half and got their rewards as a long ball from Robin Roefs was flicked on by Luke O'Nien into the path of Trai Hume, whose toe poke volley squeezed past Robert Sanchez at the near post.
There were question marks over the defending for the opener, and that remained for the second. Minutes after Brian Brobbey wasted a glorious chance, he was involved as his wayward effort deflected off Gusto and nestled into the net to spark wild scenes.
The advertising hoardings came down as Sunderland fans celebrated with the players, but the nerves were restored moments later as Palmer's low drive ended his 14-game goal drought and half the deficit.
If there were any thoughts a comeback was about to be started, that came to an end just after the hour mark as Wesley Fofana was sent off for a second bookable offence to put the icing on a terrible cake for Chelsea.
An emotional rendition of 'Can't Help Falling in Love' followed the full-time whistle as Sunderland secured European qualifcation for the first time since 1974.
Chelsea meanwhile finish the season 10th, their lowest standing since the 2022/23 season where they came 12th.
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris speaking to Your Site:
"This May 24, it's a perfect day. When you think about last season and now we are in the Europa League. It's crazy, but it shows the consistency of the club.
"Togetherness, the alignment as well. When you work hard as a team, you can do something exceptional.
"We have to reset quickly and prepare for the next season with new challenges. The first will be the Premier League with the same mentality.
"Will there be a big party tonight? Probably, yes."
Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka speaking to Your Site:
"I have no words. It's unbelievable. Week by week, day by day, the hard work from everyone at the club...
"I'm so thankful. We achieved something nobody believed."
Chelsea interim boss Calum McFarlane speaking in his post-match press conference:
"We wanted to win today, make the best of a bad situation and get into the Europa League.
"We didn't get the performance we wanted. The message to the fans is we're as disappointed as them. They've been brilliant. Unfortunately we've let them down today. We weren't able to put the performance in they deserve.
"I have no qualms or desire to question the players' mentality. They gave us everything every single day. We just weren't able to get over the line in the games that mattered.
"I've enjoyed working with this group. They've given our staff a lot of respect. I'm really looking forward to what Xabi [Alonso] brings to this club.
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Here's your summer diary:
June 11: World Cup starts -
June 14:
June 15: Summer transfer window opens
June 17:
June 19: Premier League fixtures released (10am)
July 19: World Cup final
August 22-23: Premier League opening weekend
August 27: Champions League league phase draw
September 1: Transfer Deadline Day (window closes at 11pm UK time)
September 8-10: Champions League matchday 1
May 30, 2027: Premier League final day
