Photo via Sky Sports

Sadiki nets late winner as Sunderland survive huge scare at Torreense

Sunderland pulled off a dramatic escape in their Europa League opener, securing a 2-1 victory over Portuguese second-division side Torreense in stoppage time. The Black Cats trailed at halftime after Volnei Feltes’ long-range strike put Torreense ahead, but a second-half turnaround saw Nordi Mukiele equalize with a clever finish from a Jules Ahoka cross.

Noah Sadiki then sealed the win in the 93rd minute, capitalizing on a Granit Xhaka layoff to fire Sunderland past a late scare. The win marks back-to-back Europa League victories for Sunderland, who last played in the competition 53 years ago.

Torreense, managed by Luis Tralhao—whose brother Joao assists Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid—qualified for the tournament after defeating Sporting in last season’s Portuguese Cup final. The match took place at Leiria’s Municipal Stadium, as Torreense’s home ground fails UEFA regulations despite its 2,431-capacity.

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