Sunderland kicked off their Europa League campaign with a narrow home win against Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar last month - and all eyes are now on some intriguing away days on the continent.
Trips to Portugal, Poland, Italy and Belgium all lie in wait for Black Cats supporters as Regis Le Bris’ side look to secure qualification for the knockout stages and extend what is only the second European adventure in the club’s long and proud history.
Sunderland fans in action at the Stadium of Light.placeholder image
Sunderland fans in action at the Stadium of Light. | Chris Fryatt.
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So what lies ahead for Black Cats fans as they get their passports out over the coming months?
Torreense
Adama Baradji of SCU Torreense in action during the Portuguese Super Cup clash with Porto.placeholder image
Adama Baradji of SCU Torreense in action during the Portuguese Super Cup clash with Porto. | Getty Images.
Date: Thursday, October 15 Kick-off time: 5.45pm GMT Venue: Estádio Municipal de Leiria Miles travelled: 2,207.02 mile round trip
The Black Cats resume their Europa League campaign with a visit to last season’s surprise Portuguese Cup winners after second tier side Torreense shocked Premeira Liga giants Sporting CP. The hosts have won just one of their five league games this season - but did beat Lillestrom away in their first Europa League game. Sunderland received an allocation of 3,990 tickets for the trip to the Algarve and they have been sold in separate phases based on the number of Black Cats points season tickets holder possess.
Lech Poznan
Lech Poznan ahead of their Europa League tie at Crystal Palace.placeholder image
Lech Poznan ahead of their Europa League tie at Crystal Palace. | Getty Images.
Date: Thursday, October 22 Kick-off time: 5.45pm GMT Venue: Stadion Poznan Miles travelled: 1,536.04 mile round trip
A trip to Poland lies in wait later this month as Sunderland face a Lech Poznan side that were crowned as Ekstraklasa champions last season - but failed to qualify for the Champions League after a play-off defeat against AGF of Denmark. Sunderland have received an allocation of 2,081 tickets for the game and Polish authorities requirements mean supporters must be transported by coach to and from the Poznań Stadium, with transport costing £5. Once again a three-phase ticket application process is underway.
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AC Milan
San Siro.placeholder image
San Siro. | AFP via Getty Images.
Date: Thursday, December 10 Kick-off time: 8pm GMT Venue: San Siro Miles travelled: 1,603.44 mile round trip
You will definitely see a Mackem in Milan in December, tens of thousands of them in fact! This is the one Sunderland fans are waiting for as they get to visit the iconic San Siro, one of the true cathedrals of world football. Tickets information is not available as yet but should be forthcoming over the next month.
Anderlecht
Lotto Park stadium, in Belgium, is home to football club RSC Anderlecht.placeholder image
Lotto Park stadium, in Belgium, is home to football club RSC Anderlecht. | Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images.
Date: Thursday, January 21 Kick-off time: 8pm GMT Venue: Lotto Park Miles travelled: 737.1 mile round trip
Sunderland round off their away days for the league phase with a relatively short trip across the North Sea to Brussels as they face Belgian giants Anderlecht. Once again, tickets details are yet to be released but based on previous timeframes, should be available at some point in late-November.
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