Sheffield United started the match strongly, putting Sunderland under pressure early on in the Championship play-off final. Playing aggressive, attacking football, Hamza’s team even took the lead in the first half.
However, they couldn’t maintain that momentum in the second half. A dramatic late goal shattered their dreams, sending Sunderland back to the top tier of English football.
In a thrilling play-off final at Wembley on Saturday, Sunderland clinched a 2–1 victory, earning promotion to the Premier League after several years.
Sheffield United took the lead in the 25th minute through a goal by Tyrese Campbell. But Sunderland equalized in the 76th minute with a goal from Eliezer Mayenda. The real heartbreak for Sheffield came in stoppage time — in the fifth minute of added time, Tom Watson scored the decisive goal that sealed Sunderland’s place in next season’s Premier League.
With this win, Sunderland join Leeds United and Burnley, who had already earned direct promotion as champions and runners-up of the 24-team Championship league.
It’s a joyous return to the top flight for Sunderland, and a devastating end for Hamzad’s side, who came so close — yet fell just short.
UA / TDS
