10 Times Sunderland Defied All Footballing Logic

8. Conquering Europe's Greatest

Sunderland's manager Paolo Di Canio, center, celebrates with David Vaughan, right, after scoring his goal during their English Premier League soccer match against Newcastle United at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Sunday, April 14, 2013. (AP
S&G/S&G and Barratts/EMPICS Sport

28/8/1982. With the first division kicking off, Aston Villa were due to begin their campaign with a home match against Sunderland. Sunderland had finished fourth from bottom in the previous campaign, and it was Villa's first match in front of their home fans after beating Bayern Munich 1-0 to lift the European Cup (really).

Villa were regarded as one of England's top sides, and a home match against a struggling Sunderland seemed like a pretty nice homecoming after being crowned the kings of Europe. Sunderland were determined not to be brushed aside, however - and they came to win.

The European champions were battered. Sunderland ran out 3-1 winners - killing the party mood in the Midlands, and giving the Wearside faithful a sense of optimism for the season ahead. The season ended in mediocracy for both sides, however. Villa managed a sixth place finish, and Sunderland ended up 16th.

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Journalism student hopping between London and the North-East. Boxing enthusiast and Football Manager addict. Was diagnosed with supporting Sunderland AFC as a child.