Sadiki strikes in stoppage time as Sunderland beat Torreense 2-1

Noah Sadiki scored in the third minute of stoppage time to give Sunderland a 2-1 victory over Torreense in Portugal on Thursday, October 15. According to Sky Sports, the comeback secured a second successive Europa League win for Régis Le Bris’s team on their first European away appearance in 53 years.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5KtNTo2IUg

Le Bris made seven changes to his starting side, but Sunderland went into the interval behind against opposition from Portugal’s second division. Volnei Feltes opened the scoring in the 37th minute, advancing with the ball before finding the top corner from outside the penalty area. Sunderland had earlier seen a headed goal disallowed and did not register a shot on target until the 57th minute, Sky Sports reported.

Four substitutes helped change the contest: Enzo Le Fée, Granit Xhaka, Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele entered as Sunderland sought a response. Mukiele supplied the cross for Jules Ahoka to head the equaliser in the 67th minute. The two scoring contributions ultimately came from Ahoka and Sadiki, while the substitutes provided the deliveries that made both goals possible.

TNT Sports reported that Ahoka’s equaliser was his first goal for Sunderland. He had another opportunity five minutes later when Xhaka found him in space inside the area, but his shot went straight to goalkeeper Lucas Paes. The visitors continued searching for a second goal, with further attacks and crosses leaving Torreense defending their remaining share of the points.

A late penalty decision briefly offered Sunderland another route to victory. TNT Sports’ account said an offside flag initially complicated the award, before a video review established that Timur Tutierov had been onside. Referee Enea Jorgji then reviewed the contact and overturned the penalty. The winner instead arrived in open play, with Xhaka knocking the ball into Sadiki’s path for a half-volley.

Afterwards, Le Bris highlighted his team’s persistence and the significance of winning on their European return away from home, Sky Sports reported. Sadiki also praised Sunderland’s mentality while acknowledging how difficult Torreense had made the game. His decisive finish was his first goal for the club.