Connect with us

English Premier League

Incredible scenes as Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton react on qualifying for Europe

There were incredible scenes on the final day of the season as Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton react on qualifying for Europe.

An emotional afternoon, celebrations in the stands and on the pitch, fans shedding a tear, some in disbelief, others embracing the moment of jubilation with loved ones or even hugging strangers.

Sky Sports’ Dave Jones summed up it: “Brighton, what a strange story this is today. They started the day knowing they could be playing Champions League football or missing out on Europe. They’ve lost 3-0 at home to Manchester United, and just been confirmed in the Conference League next season. That explains those celebrations.

“But the biggest winners of today, beyond Spurs, you’d have to say, are Sunderland who climbed from 10th all the way up to 7th and Europa League football next season. That is the moment it was confirmed at the Stadium of Light. They did their job. They beat Chelsea who miss out on Europe altogether and a Sunderland team who this time last year were planning for either the Championship or the Premier League are now playing in Europe next season.

“For Bournemouth, they do finish 6th and that means Europe for the first time in their history, confirmed they’re playing Europa League football. There is Andoni Iraola in the middle of those celebrations. He will be moving on but he has left an extraordinary legacy there with Bournemouth. What a story.”

Liverpool have QUALIFIED for the 2026/27 Champions League by finishing 5th in England.

Sporting have CP QUALIFIED for the 2026/27 Champions League as the UEL titleholder replacement.

6th placed in England will NOT enter the Champions League, as Aston Villa finished 4th.

Bournemouth have QUALIFIED for the 2026/27 Europa League by finishing 6th!

Sunderland have QUALIFIED for the Europa League next season, finishing 7th, making it their first European adventure in 53 years, since they qualified for the 1973-74 European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Brighton have SECURED their spot in the 2026/27 Conference League qualifying Play-offs

Chelsea will NOT play in the 2026/27 European competitions. The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup winners miss out on a European spot after finishing 10th.

SUNDERLAND

Regis le Bris, speaking to BBC Match Of The Day: “It’s amazing. Outstanding. The stadium is crazy now and the fans deserve this. The planets aligned today but we needed to do the job and it was good management at the end. We were only focused on our game, not even at half-time.

“It’s a massive collective achievement. What we showed last season and this was being together. We can be ambitious but we have to work hard. The fans are really important – they are a huge part of this club. It’s a community and we are proud to represent them.”

Trai Hume said to BBC Match Of The Day: ” A steward came and tried to show us the other scores on his phone but the 4G didn’t work but then we found out we had done it. It hasn’t sunk in yet. Coming up to the start of the season I don’t think anyone gave us a chance to stay up let alone Europe.

“We’ve worked our socks off and fully deserve that. A special mention to the fans who are the heartbeat of the club and they have been through some tough times. We work really hard through the week. The fans are amazing and they gave us the extra boost. This is their home and we go out and work our socks off for them.

“Last year was emotional for me as it was a dream to play in the Premier League. I didn’t think we could get here and make Europe but we have done it. We will give it everything next season.”

Sunderland’s Trai Hume speaking to BBC Match Of The Day, as per BBC Sport’s live blog: “A steward came and tried to show us the other scores on his phone but the 4G didn’t work but then we found out we had done it. It hasn’t sunk in yet. Coming up to the start of the season I don’t think anyone gave us a chance to stay up let alone Europe.

“We’ve worked our socks off and fully deserve that. A special mention to the fans who are the heartbeat of the club and they have been through some tough times. We work really hard through the week. The fans are amazing and they gave us the extra boost. This is their home and we go out and work our socks off for them.

“Last year was emotional for me as it was a dream to play in the Premier League. I didn’t think we could get here and make Europe but we have done it. We will give it everything next season.”

BRIGHTON

Brighton chairman Tony Bloom said: “Our final home game of the season presents us with the opportunity of securing a European spot for only the second time in our 125-year history.

“Every campaign brings its fair share of highs and lows and this one has been no exception. It has undoubtedly been a season where both our men’s and women’s teams have made significant progress and we should all take great pride in what they have achieved.

“For Fabian Hurzeler and the squad to be in contention to qualify for the Champions League going into the last game of the season as we prepare to face Manchester United today is a magnificent achievement. It speaks volumes for the outstanding ability we have both in our squad as well as Fabian and his coaching staff. It’s been great to see Fabian build on the foundations he laid in his first season, and I am delighted that we agreed a new three-year contract with Fabian earlier this month.

“In the past couple of months, we have produced some of the most consistent form of all our time in the Premier League – and it has been rewarding to see the way our squad has evolved, with the experienced players setting a high standard and great example for our younger players.

“A few individual achievements have stood out. Danny Welbeck has scored 13 Premier League goals this season (so far!) – the highest tally of his career; Lewis Dunk has passed 500 appearances for the club; and James Milner has broken the Premier League appearance record.

“Several of our under-21s have made first-team debuts this season, reflecting the strength of our pathway and the excellent work in our academy by Shannon Ruth and his staff, culminating in winning the PL2 Play-Off Final at the Amex last Saturday night.

“We have several players heading off to the World Cup in North America this summer and, on behalf of everyone at the club, I wish them all well.

“Our women’s team have had an outstanding season, reaching the Women’s FA Cup final for the first time in our history. It will be a proud moment for everyone associated with Brighton & Hove Albion next Sunday when they walk out at Wembley Stadium to take on Manchester City.

“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Dario Vidosic, his staff and, of course, the players. They will go into the final in great form, with standout wins over Arsenal and Manchester City in recent weeks, and I know they will approach the game confidently, doing everything they possibly can to win the cup.

“On a personal level, it has not been an easy season for Dario with the sad loss of his father – and our coach – Rado, but Dario’s commitment and leadership, even when he was back home in Australia, ensured continuity and progress throughout what was a challenging period.

“Looking ahead, the recent announcement of our plans for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s stadium at the Amex marks another significant step forward for the club, with the aim of opening in time for the 2030/31 season. This is a clear indication of the commitment, ambition and long-term vision we have for our women’s and girls’ programme.

“This year, we celebrate our 125th anniversary with a series of special events, culminating in an anniversary match in September. Our Player Awards dinner was a great way to kick off the celebrations earlier this week and I’d like to congratulate Men’s Player of the Season Ferdi Kadioglu, Women’s Player of the Season Fran Kirby and all the award-winners. It really was a special night which showcased all that is good about our club, on and off the pitch, and which gives me as chairman a special sense of pride.

“Finally, I would like to thank Paul Barber and our management team, together with all the staff, for the part they have played in making this another successful season. As we celebrate 125 years and look back on our history, there is so much to be positive about in terms of our future, not least for our supporters, who continue to give all our teams such wonderful backing home and away and with such passion.

“Let’s all hope for a winning end to the season this afternoon. I hope you enjoy a great summer, and I look forward to seeing you all again at the Amex in August for our special pre-season anniversary friendly.

“Tony”

Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler, said to Sky Sports: “It was a strange feeling. We didn’t play well and it was the worst time for this performance. I was quite disappointed. I was expecting more from us as a team.

“You have to make the best out of it and in the end the best was the results from the other games. We have to be grateful for that.

“It is the second time we have qualified for European football and that is always something special. We wanted to make the next step and that was one of our goals for this season, luckily we reached it. When you are in the situation we had before the game you want more but we have to accept it.”

BOURNEMOUTH

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, speaking to Sky Sports: “We cannot ask for much more. We finish the season in an incredible run of games, we haven’t lost against any team in the second game we’ve faced them. We beat the club points record, we finished sixth, we get the Europa League. We were fighting for the cherry on the cake but City and Liverpool didn’t help us. Still, we are celebrating.

“It is fully deserved. I have been so lucky to have the group of players the last three years. I’m so happy for them, the club, the supporters, but especially the players.”

On it being his final game: “You start to think about everything and I enjoyed the moment with the supporters. A lovely way to end the season.”

On what’s been key to reinventing Bournemouth: “I think this season has been a challenge because we change the team a lot but I think we’ve arrived. The second half of the season has been incredible. We’ve benefited from the group that has been here for three years. I’ve really enjoyed it and definitely I’m going to miss them.”

On if there is any part that wishes he was still here next year: “At the end you have to take the decisions when you have to take them. It took me a lot to decide. Once you get to the decision I think you feel relieved. I think it has also had a positive influence. I think the relationship with the club is also good. Sometimes you fear a negative effect but it has been the other way. Players have shown everything, I love them a lot and I am going to miss them.”

On what is next: “Now is going to be the time to take decisions. I didn’t want to focus on other things before the season ended. For me it was massive to get this team in Europe. Now I will have to take decisions and I suppose it will not take long.

“It is a matter of feeling, feeling the team, the players, the correct place, more than if it is a bigger club. Sometimes they are not rational decisions, you don’t know why but you see it clearly. I don’t really know what I am going to do. I know there are some options but it is time now to recover a little bit, think with my family and let’s see where the future is.”

On what Bournemouth means to him: “For me is has been a big lesson. I have been learning continuously. I felt the team since the beginning, I was already in love with some of the players and could envision that we could do it. The Premier League is so demanding that you have to adapt quickly. I really enjoy it.”

A statement from Bill Foley was issued: “Dear Cherries supporters,

“Together, we have witnessed history across another record-breaking campaign.

“We end the season in our highest ever top-flight position of sixth place, with our points totalling a new high of 57. Additionally, we’ve enjoyed an incredible unbeaten run of 18 matches and, for the very first time in our club’s history, European qualification has been accomplished. These are achievements that the supporters, players, members of staff and everyone else connected with this football club should feel incredibly proud of.

“From the beginning of the season, there has been a belief, resilience and togetherness that has defined this team. Week after week, you created an atmosphere at Vitality Stadium that inspired the players and showed the football world exactly what this club and its community represents.

“I want to personally thank Andoni Iraola for his outstanding leadership, ambition and commitment. Andoni and his staff have helped build a team that plays courageous, exciting football and continues to push boundaries.

“There is even more reason to be excited about the future. Receiving planning permission for the redevelopment of Vitality Stadium marks another hugely important step forward for AFC Bournemouth. This project is about more than bricks and seats — it is about building a home for future generations of supporters and creating a club infrastructure that matches our ambitions.

“These are truly exciting times ahead for AFC Bournemouth, and none of it would be possible without your unwavering support. Thank you for being a continued presence in our journey – we are building something special together.

“Always advance, never retreat.

“Bill”

Related Topics
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

More in English Premier League