Excitement is rising for Sunderland fans as they hope for a final twist in their first season back in the top flight of football.
It promises to be a cracking last match in the 2025/2026 season in which Sunderland take on Chelsea, hoping to secure a win and possibly European football next season.
Older fans will remember the last time the Black Cats ventured onto foreign soil for a competitive European tie which came after that famous victory over Leeds United at Wembley in 1973.
But how many of these quirky facts did you know about Sunderland’s run, albeit brief, in the European Cup Winners Cup 53 years ago? Have a look at our photo gallery for memories of the year when the Mackems got to travel to Hungary and Portugal.
And then, get in touch to share your own memories of that European cup run by emailing [email protected]
5. The Sporting Lisbon team stayed in Peterlee before their European Cup Winners Cup tie with Sunderland in 1973.
The Sporting Lisbon team stayed in Peterlee before their European Cup Winners Cup tie with Sunderland in 1973. | se
6. Out for a walk
Sporting Lisbon players enjoy morning sunshine outside their Peterlee hotel. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
7. Inside the hotel
Sporting Lisbon players signed autographs for the local children. Tell us if you were one of them. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo
8. Match action
Dave Watson and Billy Hughes in the thick of the action against Sporting Lisbon. | se Photo: Sunderland Echo