Sunderland survived a huge scare as they came from behind to clinch back-to-back Europa League victories with a 2-1 win over Torreense following Noah Sadiki’s 93rd-minute winner.
Regis Le Bris' side made hard work of their first European away fixture in 53 years, trailing at half-time to the Portuguese second division club, who took a shock lead through centre-back Volnei Feltes' outstanding strike from 25 yards that nestled in the top right corner.
Sunderland were frustrated during the first-half when Timur Tuterov's close-range header from Luke O'Nien's long throw was ruled out for a soft foul, but it was no excuse for a poor performance, failing to have a shot on target until the 57th minute.
Le Bris had made seven changes and was forced to bring on regular first-teamers Enzo Le Fee, Granit Xhaka, Reinildo and Nordi Mukiele midway through the second period to turn the game.
Mukiele provided a deserved equaliser, crossing for Jules Ahoka, who used the pace on the delivery to guide the ball back from where it came and into the bottom right corner.
Sunderland were denied a late penalty after a VAR check, but their relentless second-half pressure finally paid off in stoppage time. Xhaka touched the ball down for Sadiki in the area and he slammed a shot into the net before jumping into the away end to celebrate with their jubilant supporters.
Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris:
"Back in Europe, 53 years later, in Portugal especially, and winning this game just at the end is really special.
"It's a symbol and important for many reasons, the first one is for the club and our fans, they were fantastic once again.
"Also we are growing up and we need experiences. The team showed this belief until the end, which is really important for us. We showed again that we were in this mindset."
Sunderland match winner Noah Sadiki:
"I'm really happy for the team because we showed great mentality today. We were down but we came back. That's what we needed to do, and now we focus on the next game.
"They made it really difficult for us, even though people considered us favourites before the game. I'm really happy for them because they showed what it means to play in the Europa League, even though they're in the second division.
"You don't have to be scared of the big teams. So they played really well, but unfortunately for them, we won."
