I couldn’t help but look back to another season when Black Cats fans were in dreamland, in 1973.
Bob Stokoe’s team had won the FA Cup and beaten Vasas Budapest in the first round of the European Cup Winners Cup.
Next up were Portugese giants Sporting Lisbon and the visitors mixed with locals while they stayed at a hotel in Peterlee, before taking in Sunderland in a pulsating tie at Roker Park this time 52 years ago.
Relive the occasion in these Sunderland Echo photo memories.
1. Having fun before the match
It was a stay to remember in Peterlee for these Sporting Lisbon stars. | se
2. Going close
The Sporting keeper comes out to clear the ball after a Sunderland attack. | se
3. Nice to meet you
The children of Peterlee got to meet the Sporting Lisbon stars in 1973. | se
4. Thick of the action
Billy Hughes is in the thick of the action at Roker Park with Ian Porterfield also close by. | se