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]
9. Tell us more
Tell us if you were pictured on the day the Lisbon stars came to East Durham. | se
10. 1973 memories
Sporting Lisbon's players joined local youngsters on a walk in the dene area near the Norseman hotel. | se
11. Close-up on 1973
Tell us if you were pictured getting to know the visiting players from Sporting Lisbon. | se
12. Watching the ball
Another high ball is sent towards the Sporting Lisbon box in the 1973 European Cup Winners Cup match. | se