Noah Sadiki's stoppage-time winner gave Sunderland a dramatic 2-1 Europa League victory away to Torreense. The Black Cats came from behind to secure their second consecutive win in the competition's league phase.
Volnei Feltes put the Portuguese side ahead with a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner after 37 minutes. Sunderland, who had made seven changes and fielded a heavily rotated side captained by Luke O’Nien, found their equaliser midway through the second half. Jules Ahoka headed home from Nordi Mukiele's cross in the 67th minute to level the match.
The decisive moment arrived deep into added time. In the third minute of stoppage time, a move involving substitutes Enzo Le Fée and Granit Xhaka set up Sadiki, who lashed a first-time half-volley into the net. It was the Congolese midfielder's first goal for the club since joining last summer.
Manager Régis Le Bris described the victory as 'special' for the club and its supporters. "It was a difficult game," Le Bris said. "Torreense are a good team." He highlighted the result as a symbol of the team's belief and growth, noting it was Sunderland's first competitive trip to Europe in 53 years.
The match was not without controversy. Sunderland had a late penalty claim for a foul on Timur Tuterov denied after a VAR review. Defender Hume was also shown a yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee's decision.
With this result, Sunderland have taken six points from their opening four matches in the Europa League league phase. Their next European fixture is at home to Austrian side Sturm Graz on Thursday, 29 October. Before that, their domestic focus returns to the Championship, where they currently sit 14th with 15 points from 11 games. Their next league match is away to Preston North End on Saturday, 18 October.
Read the full report at theguardian.com
