Sunderland have enjoyed a sensational return to the top-flight and a final day victory over Chelsea means European football will be played at the Stadium of Light next season.
When Sunderland secured a dramatic Championship play-off final victory over Sheffield United 12 months ago, many expected the Black Cats to spend the majority of the campaign at the wrong end of the table.
Manager Regis Le Bris had other ideas however and he made a number of astute signings, including the likes of influential duo of Enzo Le Fee and Granit Xhaka.
The Stadium of Light was a fortress right from the very start as a 3-0 opening day Premier League victory over West Ham United proved to be a useful gauge of where both sides would end up this campaign.
Barring a run of three straight defeats in February and a 5-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, Sunderland have been competitive throughout the season.
A league double over Newcastle United and finishing above their bitter rivals will have delighted the Sunderland fans, while draws against Arsenal, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United show just how hard they are to beat.
After winning 2-1 at Chelsea back in October, a Tai Hume opener and Malo Gusto own goal were enough to secure a seventh place finish and ensure Sunderland will be competing in the UEFA Europa League in 2026/27.
When did Sunderland last play European football?
Sunderland's last taste of European football came in the 1973/74 season following their historic FA Cup triumph over Leeds United at Wembley - a result that saw them become the first Second Division side to win the trophy in over 40 years.
Competing in the UEFA European Cup Winners Cup, the Black Cats secured back-to-back victories over Vasas Budapest 3-0, before losing 3-2 on aggregate to Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon.
