Sunderland advanced to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals for the first time in five years following a 3-2 victory over Brentford at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday. Moroccan World Cup midfielder Chemsdine Talbi was central to the win, opening the scoring in the 26th minute and playing a key role in the team’s attacking play. Talbi, who has not featured in Sunderland’s Europa League squad and has had limited appearances this season, delivered a strong performance that could influence manager Regis le Bris’s selection ahead of Saturday’s Premier League match against Coventry City.

Talbi combined effectively with fellow midfielder Jocelin Ta Bi, a recent signing from the Israeli league, who contributed assists for all three Sunderland goals. Talbi’s opener was rapidly followed by a goal from striker Timur Tutierov in the 29th minute, extending the home side’s advantage. Later in the half, Malick Fofana, Sunderland’s £30 million record signing, scored his first goal for the club by heading in a cross from Ta Bi in the 39th minute. Brentford, who made eight changes to their lineup from their previous Premier League fixture against Leeds United, managed to pull one back before halftime through former Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson.

Despite Brentford’s early dominance and several promising chances, Sunderland capitalized on a rapid sequence of attacks to secure a significant lead in the first half. Brentford’s goalkeeper Hakon Valdimarsson made several key saves but was ultimately unable to prevent Sunderland’s trio of goals. The visitors also scored a late goal through Igor Thiago in added time, but fell short in the end.

Le Bris, reflecting on the result, acknowledged the team’s performance over the first hour of the match as a positive step. “It was a strong performance for an hour. The lads showed what we expected. It hasn’t been comfortable when we lose but we have not changed our principles and this was a good step,” he said.

Brentford manager Keith Andrews expressed frustration over conceding three quick goals, stating, “You can’t concede goals like that in such a short period of time and expect to go through.” Sunderland will now travel to face Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals, while Brentford’s focus returns to their Premier League campaign. The win keeps Sunderland unbeaten in their last three matches amid a challenging start to the season.