Stoke 4-1 FC Thun (agg 5-1)
Last updated on .From the section Football
Stoke City will be in Friday's draw for the group stage of the Europa League after comfortably defeating FC Thun.
Tony Pulis's team won 1-0 in the first leg and added to their advantage when Matthew Upson headed his team in front.
Kenwyne Jones extended Stoke's lead before the break with a diving header from a Jermaine Pennant cross.
Glenn Whelan made it 3-0 with a strike from the edge of the area and Jones headed his second before Andreas Wittwer scored a consolation.
Danny Pugh scored the only goal in the first leg in Switzerland but the return match was anything but close.
Marc Schneider had an early effort blocked as FC Thun tried to prise their way back to the tie but after Upson's opener the Premier League club took control through Jones and Whelan.
Andy Wilkinson was a threat down the flanks all night and his lung-busting run ended with a shot that was easily dealt with by Dragan Djukic.
The influential Pennant was withdrawn early in the second half and the game appeared to be petering out before Jones struck once again with 18 minutes left.
The Potters, who are now unbeaten in six games this season, conceded when Wittwer struck after the home team failed to clear a corner.
By this point the hosts had taken their foot off the gas and they allowed Seko Sanogo to head wide but it mattered little as progress was already assured, meaning City's European adventure will continue.
Stoke, who are taking part in major Continental competition for the first time in 37 years, have guaranteed themselves at least six more Europa League fixtures and they will discover who their opponents are when the draw for the group stage is made in Monaco.
Stoke boss Tony Pulis: "This is the first time we have done this (got to the group stages), so it is lovely for our supporters who have backed us so magnificently over the past few years.
"At this football club we have really tried to join the supporters together with the players. By doing this, it is a great reward for the supporters for what they have done.
"I hope to God that we draw two big teams to play at the Britannia, because the place will be absolutely special if we do that."
