The match was dubbed ‘Bristanbul’ after Liverpool’s famous Champions League final comeback against AC Milan in Instanbul back in 2005.
The Robins, who had won just once in 2018, were three goals ahead inside 37 minutes as the Black Cats under Chris Coleman capitulated.
Aden Flint poked City in front before two close-range finishes from Famara Diedhiou prompted some away fans to leave Ashton Gate early.
But, after Josh Brownhill's own goal and Aiden McGeady's strike, Marlon Pack diverted into his own net for 3-3.
It capped an amazing final 20 minutes for Sunderland, whose supporters had greeted the half-time whistle with boos and chants of "you're not fit to wear the shirt" towards their own players.
Interestingly, current Black Cats boss Lee Johnson was head coach at Bristol City and after the game said: “It's probably poor decision-making by me. I have to hold my hands up and say, tactically, I got it wrong in the second half.
“I should have settled for 3-0. I probably got excited, and felt they were there for the taking.
“We had chances but we crumbled. I should have given the lads a bit more help and put another midfielder on at 3-1, and changed it up a bit.
“So, my fault, and apologies. To lose those two points is very, very frustrating.”
But where are the Sunderland players named in the squad back in 2018 now? Scroll down to take a look:
. SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND - APRIL 21: Chris Coleman manager of Sunderland during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Burton Albion at Stadium of Light on April 21, 2018 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Nigel Roddis/Getty Images )
Chris Coleman during the Sky Bet Championship match between Sunderland and Burton Albion at Stadium of Light on April 21, 2018. Photo: Nigel Roddis
. GK: LEE CAMP
Late last year, Lee Camp signed for Championship club Coventry City on a two-month contract as injury cover but left when the deal expired without having been needed to play. He is now a free agent. Photo: Lynne Cameron
. RWB: Billy Jones
Billy Jones is currently at Sunderland's League One rivals Crewe Alexandra on loan from Championship side Rotherham United. Photo: Jan Kruger
. LWB: Bryan Oviedo
Bryan Oviedo now turns out for Danish Superliga club Copenhagen. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
13. SUB: Kazenga Lua Lua
After leaving Sunderland, Kazenga Lua Lua joined Luton Town, where he remains, having made 15 appearances in the Championship during the current campaign. Photo: Nathan Stirk
14. SUB: Josh Maja
Josh Maja joined Fulham in the Premier League on loan from Bordeaux during the January transfer window. Photo: Harriet Lander
15. SUB: Aiden McGeady
Aiden McGeady is still at Sunderland having returned to first-team action under Lee Johnson after the winger was frozen out under Phil Parkinson. Photo: Harriet Lander
16. SUB: Donald Love
Donald Love now plays for Sunderland's League One rivals Shrewsbury Town and started as Salop recently defeated the Black Cats 2-1. Photo: Naomi Baker