Overview
- Sunderland beat Torreense 2-1 on Thursday after Noah Sadiki scored a stoppage-time winner that completed a comeback in Leiria.
- Torreense took the lead through Volnei Feltes before Jules Ahoka headed Sunderland level in the 67th minute and Sadiki finished the turnaround in added time.
- The match was played at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria because Torreense’s usual ground in Torres Vedras does not meet UEFA requirements.
- Torreense reached the Europa League by winning the 2025–26 Taça de Portugal and have shown they can compete in Europe despite sitting low in Portugal’s second division and missing midfielder Nuha Jatta through suspension.
- Sunderland now have successive positive results in the Europa League but remain hampered by injuries and mixed Premier League form, a situation that will shape selection and travel plans for coming fixtures.