Sunderland 2–1 Sheffield United
Championship Playoff Final – Wembley Stadium
Sunderland sealed a dramatic return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence, defeating Sheffield United 2–1 in the Championship playoff final at Wembley.
Tyrese Campbell gave Sheffield United the lead in the first half, but second-half goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson completed the comeback for Régis Le Bris’ young Sunderland side.
Sheffield United started strongly, with Kieffer Moore and Campbell proving a handful for Sunderland’s defence. After an early save from Anthony Patterson denied Moore, the Blades went ahead on 18 minutes. Gus Hamer broke from deep following a Sunderland short corner, sliding a pass through Dan Neil’s legs to Campbell, who finished confidently over the advancing Patterson.
Sunderland struggled to create chances in the first half, with their only notable effort coming in stoppage time—a volley from 17-year-old Chris Rigg that was comfortably saved.
After the break, Sunderland improved. They equalised on 66 minutes when Patrick Roberts played in Mayenda, who shifted the ball onto his right and lashed a shot into the top corner from the edge of the area.
The winner came in stoppage time. A loose ball in midfield fell to Watson, who carried it forward unchallenged and guided a low finish into the bottom corner from 20 yards, sparking wild celebrations.
Sheffield United had earlier thought they had doubled their lead in the first half through Harrison Burrows, but the goal was disallowed after VAR adjudged Vinícius Souza to be obstructing the goalkeeper in an offside position.
Sunderland managed the final moments professionally, with confirmation of promotion arriving after 102 minutes of play.
Key Moments:
- 18’ – Goal: Campbell (0–1)
- 66’ – Goal: Mayenda (1–1)
- 90+2’ – Goal: Watson (2–1)
Match Stats:
Possession: Sunderland 53% – 47% Sheffield United
Shots on target: Sunderland 4 – 5 Sheffield United
Corners: Sunderland 5 – 4 Sheffield United
Player of the Match: Tommy Watson – Scored the decisive goal and contributed effectively in buildup play.
