Sunderland Wins Thrilling Playoff Final to Return to Premier League

Sunderland sealed their promotion to the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in the EFL Championship playoff final.

Sunderland sealed their promotion to the Premier League with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Sheffield United in the EFL Championship playoff final at Wembley Stadium. The Black Cats earned the last available spot in England's top division, joining Leeds United and Burnley.

The highly anticipated match, dubbed the “richest game in football,” had a staggering prize of up to £220 million for the winner. Despite Sheffield United being favorites, Sunderland's determination paid off. The teams had contrasting fortunes this season; Sheffield United were relegated from the Premier League last season, while Sunderland is looking to return after eight years away.

Key Highlights of the Match:

Intense Competition: The match was a closely contested duel, with Sunderland ultimately emerging victorious.

Promotion Worth: The winning team's £220 million windfall from Premier League participation makes this match exceptionally high-stakes.

Team Dynamics: Sunderland's young players like Jobe Bellingham played crucial roles, while Sheffield United's experience in the Premier League posed a significant challenge.

WE HAVE F****** DONE ITTTTTT!!!!!!!!!! 🤯#TilTheEnd pic.twitter.com/K87ZMvxUCY

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2025

The match kicked off with high intensity, and Sheffield United, who had finished 14 points ahead of Sunderland in the league season, quickly made their presence felt. In the first minute, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson was called into action, palming away a Kieffer Moore header to deny the Blades an early advantage.

However, Sunderland's momentum was disrupted when Luke O'Nien collided with Moore and suffered a dislocated shoulder injury, forcing him off the pitch. This setback would prove significant as the game unfolded, with Sunderland needing to adapt to the unexpected loss of one of their key players.

Sunderland are back in the Premier League 🤩 pic.twitter.com/IOabt3FpSe

— Premier League (@premierleague) May 24, 2025

Sheffield United maintained intense pressure, which eventually paid off in the 25th minute. Gustavo Hamer spearheaded a counter-attack, threading through the Sunderland defense before delivering a precise pass to Tyrese Campbell. Campbell skillfully controlled the ball and lofted it over Sunderland goalkeeper Patterson, giving the Blades the lead.

The Sheffield United players thought they had doubled their advantage eight minutes later, but their celebrations were short-lived. Harrison Burrows unleashed a powerful shot that found the back of the net after a corner was half-cleared. However, the goal was disallowed due to Vinícius Souza being deemed to have interfered with play from an offside position, much to the frustration of Chris Wilder's team.

The disallowed goal gave Sunderland a glimmer of hope, despite being the inferior team in the first half, having had 64% possession. As the second half kicked off, Sunderland came out with renewed vigor, and their fans sensed a shift in momentum, creating a deafening atmosphere inside Wembley Stadium.

With promotion hopes hanging in the balance, Sunderland's determination was palpable. Despite having suffered six previous Wembley defeats, Régis Le Bris' team remained resolute, absorbing pressure and fending off threatening counter-attacks. Sheffield United's Kieffer Moore and Rhian Brewster had efforts blocked, as Sunderland's defense held firm, buoyed by the energetic support of their fans.

As the match neared its climax, the intensity gave way to a more cautious approach, with both teams wary of conceding. A heart-stopping moment arrived in the 70th minute when Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin lost possession near his own goal, allowing Andre Brooks to pounce on the loose ball. Fortunately, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson made a brilliant save with his legs, averting disaster and preserving his team's hopes.

Sunderland seized their opportunity with around 15 minutes left, when Eliezer Mayenda scored with a powerful shot into the roof of the net. The goal was set up by Patrick Roberts' precise pass, which found Mayenda in the box. This equalizer shifted the momentum in Sunderland's favor, leaving Sheffield United reeling.

In a dramatic turn of events, Sunderland scored again with what seemed like the last kick of the game, much like they had in the semi-final. This late winner sealed the victory for the Black Cats, sending their fans into raptures and securing their promotion to the Premier League.

In a fitting farewell, substitute Tom Watson gifted Sunderland a winning goal, coolly slotting the ball past Michael Cooper from the edge of the box. The goal sparked jubilant celebrations among Sunderland's players and fans, marking a triumphant return to the Premier League for the Black Cats.

The winning goal dealt a crushing blow to Sheffield United's aspirations, as their remarkable campaign ultimately ended in heartbreak. For Sunderland, the victory marked the culmination of a long wait, as they returned to the English top flight after being relegated in the 2016/17 season.