Sadiki nets late winner as Sunderland survive huge scare at Torreense

Key points

• Sunderland beat Torreense 2-1 in the Europa League with Noah Sadiki scoring a 93rd-minute winner.
• Torreense, a Portuguese second division club, led at half-time through Volnei Feltes' 25-yard strike.
• Sunderland made seven changes and brought on Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele in the second half to turn the game.

Sunderland came from behind to secure a 2-1 Europa League win over Portuguese second division side Torreense on Thursday, with Noah Sadiki scoring a 93rd-minute winner. The victory gave Sunderland back-to-back wins in the competition and marked their first European away fixture in 53 years.

Sunderland trailed at half-time after Torreense centre-back Volnei Feltes scored from 25 yards in the 37th minute. Sunderland had a first-half goal by Timur Tuterov ruled out for a foul and did not manage a shot on target until the 57th minute.

Second-half comeback

Manager Regis Le Bris made seven changes to his starting lineup and brought on Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele midway through the second half. Mukiele provided the equaliser in the 67th minute, crossing for Jules Ahoka to guide the ball into the bottom right corner.

Sunderland were denied a late penalty after a VAR check, but in stoppage time Xhaka touched the ball down for Sadiki, who slammed a shot into the net before celebrating with the away supporters.

Back in Europe, 53 years later, in Portugal especially, and winning this game just at the end is really special.

— Regis Le Bris

What the managers and players said

Le Bris called the win "special" and said it was important for the club and its fans. He added that Sadiki's first Sunderland goal could be a "starting point" for the midfielder.

Sadiki said: "I'm really happy for the team because we showed great mentality today. We were down but we came back." He also praised Torreense for making the game difficult despite being considered underdogs.