Sunderland will be returning to the Premier League following an eight-year absence after battling to a sensational 2-1 come from behind victory over Sheffield United in the EFL Championship playoff final at Wembley.
What happened in the match?
Sunderland entered the match as underdogs, finishing 14 points below Sheffield United during the regular season and this difference showed in the early stages of the game as the Blades started the brighter of the two sides.
Tyrese Campbell put the Blades ahead in the 25th minute. Despite losing defender Luke O’Nien to a shoulder injury early in the match and saw a goal chopped off for offside after undergoing scrutiny by VAR.
Sunderland then hit back, equalizing through Eliezer Mayenda in the 71st minute before Tom Watson, who had already sealed a move to Brighton in April and was set for top-flight football next season, clinched the decisive goal for the Black Cats.
Watson pounced on a misplaced pass from Kieffer Moore, drove to the edge of the area, and curled a superb shot past Michael Cooper to seal the game for Sunderland in the fifth minute of stoppage time.
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What next?
Regis Le Bris’ Sunderland will now join Leeds United and Burnley in the Premier League for the 2025/2026 season. Both teams clinched the automatic promotion after finishing in first and second place respectively.
Sheffield United’s Wembley curse persists
The result continued Sheffield United’s dismal run at Wembley, where they are now winless in eight appearances (one draw, six losses), with their last victory at the stadium dating back to the 1925 FA Cup final against Cardiff City.
It also marked a record fifth straight defeat in Football League play-off finals for the Blades – more than any other team without ever achieving promotion through the play-offs.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
