Torreense vs Sunderland. UEFA Europa League. Match report as Sunderland earn second Europa League win of league phase by beating Torreense; hosts took shock lead through Volnei’s wondergoal; Regis Le Bris had to bring on regular first-teamers after making seven changes; Jules Ahoka headed in equaliser; Noah Sadiki netted late winner Sunderland survived a huge scare as they came from behind to clinch back-to-back Europa League victories with a 2-1 win over Torreense following Noah Sadiki’s 93rd-minute winner. Regis Le Bris’ side made hard work of their first European away fixture in 53 years, trailing at half-time to the Portuguese second division club, who took a shock lead through centre-back Volnei Feltes’ outstanding strike from 25 yards that nestled in the top right corner.
Sunderland were frustrated during the first-half when Timur Tuterov’s close-range header from Luke O’Nien’s long throw was ruled out for a soft foul, but it was no excuse for a poor performance, failing to have a shot on target until the 57th minute. Le Bris had made seven changes and was forced to bring on regular first-teamers Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele midway through the second period to turn the game. Mukiele provided a deserved equaliser, crossing for Jules Ahoka, who used the pace on the delivery to guide the ball back from where it came and into the bottom right corner. Sunderland were denied a late penalty after a VAR check, but their relentless second-half pressure finally paid off in stoppage time.
Xhaka touched the ball down for Sadiki in the area and he slammed a shot into the net before jumping into the away end to celebrate with their jubilant supporters. Regis Le Bris hailed a “special” win for Sunderland as they came from behind to snatch victory. He told Sunderland’s club media channel: “Back in Europe, 53 years later, in Portugal especially, and winning this game just at the end is really special. “It’s a symbol I think and important for many reasons, the first one is for the club and our fans, they were fantastic once again.
“Also we are growing up and we need experiences. I think the team showed this evening this belief until the end, which is really important for us. We showed again that we were in this mindset.” Noah Sadiki’s goal was his first for Sunderland since arriving at the club last summer and Le Bris believes it can be a “starting point” for him. “That’s important for him to step up, to add this layer in his game because he has the ability to dribble, to shoot, to make key passes,” the Black Cats boss added.
“Now it’s the next layer, so it’s a starting point I hope.” Sunderland match winner Noah Sadiki: “I’m really happy for the team because we showed great mentality today. We were down but we came back. That’s what we needed to do, and now we focus on the next game. “They made it really difficult for us, even though people considered us favourites before the game.
I’m really happy for them because they showed what it means to play in the Europa League, even though they’re in the second division. “You don’t have to be scared of the big teams. So they played really well, but unfortunately for them, we won.” Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m! Enter for free.
