Seven changes made the opening difficult
Sunderland changed seven players from the previous league match and struggled to create clear chances in the first half. Torreense took advantage in the 37th minute when Feltes carried the ball forward and finished from long range. The goal rewarded the home side for defending compactly and attacking the space left by Sunderland’s midfield.
The visitors had possession but lacked connections around the penalty area. Their wide deliveries arrived before enough players had reached useful positions, allowing Torreense to clear the first ball and slow the next attack.
The substitutions changed Sunderland’s attack
Régis Le Bris introduced senior players after the break and the visitors began to move the ball faster around Torreense’s block. Ahoka headed in the equaliser in the 67th minute, giving Sunderland enough time to search for the winner without abandoning their shape.
The pressure continued, but Torreense goalkeeper Lucas Paes kept the score level and a penalty decision was overturned after review. Sunderland had to remain patient instead of treating every attack as the last opportunity.
Sadiki rewarded the final push
In added time, Sadiki met the dropping ball with a clean volley and placed it beyond Paes. The finish was spectacular, but it came after Sunderland had spent most of the second half keeping Torreense close to their own box and collecting second balls.
Two European wins give Sunderland six points. The match also offers a warning: a heavily changed team cannot rely on late quality every week. The improved tempo after the substitutions needs to appear earlier in the next league-phase fixture.