Sunderland set for first Europa League campaign after rapid rise to the Premier League

Sunderland, once a League One side, secured a place in the Europa League and will open the campaign against AZ Alkmaar, marking the club's first foray into continental football. The turnaround began when Kyril Louis-Dreyfus bought a share in 2021 and later expanded his ownership, while the appointment of French coach Regis Le Bris in June 2024 propelled the team back to the Premier League at the first attempt and to a surprise seventh-place finish.

Captain Granit Xhaka described the achievement as a symbol of the club’s renewed momentum and a source of pride for fans. The 49,000-seat Stadium of Light will now host European matches, joining Bournemouth and Crystal Palace, who also qualified for the Europa League this season. The club’s resurgence has rekindled enthusiasm among its large supporter base, many of whom have regularly attended games even during lower-league years.