Sunderland secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Portuguese second division side SCU Torreense in their Europa League group stage match on Thursday, maintaining their perfect start in the competition. The match, played at Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria—approximately 50 miles from Torreense’s home ground, Estádio Manuel Marques—drew around 5,000 Sunderland supporters, reflecting the club’s first European away fixture in 53 years.
Torreense, who earned European qualification by winning the Portuguese Cup last season despite playing in the second tier, took a surprise lead in the 37th minute. Brazilian centre-back Volnei Feltes scored with a long-range strike that found the top corner, putting the Portuguese underdogs ahead against the Premier League newcomers.
Sunderland’s head coach Régis Le Bris, making seven changes to the lineup following a recent league defeat, described the visitors as well-organized and acknowledged the quality of Torreense’s goal. The Black Cats struggled to break down their opponents until the introduction of substitutes Enzo Le Fée, Granit Xhaka, and Nordi Mukiele provided fresh impetus. Mukiele’s cross in the 67th minute was met by Jules Ahoka, who headed home to level the score. Ahoka’s goal marked Sunderland’s first ever on foreign soil in European competition in over five decades.
The match threatened to slip away from Sunderland when a late penalty was initially awarded but subsequently overturned by VAR after an 88th-minute incident, increasing the tension in the closing stages. However, the visitors found a decisive breakthrough in stoppage time: Granit Xhaka set up defender Noah Sadiki, who struck a powerful half-volley from outside the box in the 93rd minute to seal the victory.
Sadiki, who joined Sunderland from Royal Antwerp over the summer, described the importance of the goal as his first for the club and credited Xhaka’s assist for the decisive moment. The Sunderland players, dressed in their distinctive pink away kit, celebrated enthusiastically with their supporters after the final whistle.
Le Bris praised the connection between players and fans, highlighting the significance of the win for team morale and the ongoing development of the squad. He emphasized that the victory was the result of collective effort and resilience against a well-organized opponent.
The result extends Sunderland’s unbeaten run in the Europa League group stage, underscoring their adaptability and determination as they navigate the challenges of European competition while establishing themselves in the Premier League. Torreense, despite the loss, demonstrated considerable spirit and remain a notable example of a lower-tier club competing on the continental stage.