In one of the most important matches in the world of football—and certainly the one that brings the most money in the most important unimportant thing in the world—Sunderland pulled off an incredible last-minute comeback to defeat Sheffield United and secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/17 season. Let’s not forget, the Black Cats were playing in League One just three years ago!WE HAVE F****** DONE ITTTTTT!!!!!!!!!! 🤯#TilTheEnd pic.twitter.com/K87ZMvxUCY— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2025 The first half of this high-stakes play-off final at Wembley didn’t offer much in terms of excitement, but Sheffield United managed to make the most of their chances in an otherwise cautious and somewhat uneventful opening 45 minutes.The first real moment of note came as early as the 2nd minute when Kieffer Moore rose high to meet a cross and sent a precise header toward the bottom right corner. It looked destined for the net, but Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson made a fantastic reflex save to deny Sheffield United an early lead.For much of the half, both teams struggled to build fluid attacking moves, with the midfield battle taking center stage. However, in the 25th minute, the breakthrough finally came. Gustavo Hamer threaded a perfect through ball to Tyrese Campbell, who showed great composure to slot the ball past Patterson and give Sheffield United a 1–0 lead. You can see the goal HERE!26′ – What a counter! 🎯Gus rampages forward from a Sunderland corner before feeding it perfectly to Tye who dinks the ‘keeper beautifully! 😍⚔️ 1-0 🐈⬛ | #SHUSUN https://t.co/qskh2e7lFI— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 24, 2025 Sheffield thought they had doubled their advantage in the 35th minute when Harrison Burrows fired in a low shot from the edge of the box after a rebound. The ball found the bottom corner, and celebrations erupted—only to be cut short. Referee Chris Kavanagh called for a VAR check to review a potential offside in the build-up. After a brief look, the goal was disallowed, much to the disappointment of the Sheffield United players and fans.Despite a few flashes of quality, the first half overall lacked intensity and attacking flair, but Sheffield United head into the break with a narrow and deserved 1–0 lead.Tye’s goal has our noses in front at the break.⚔️ 1-0 🐈⬛ | #SHUSUN pic.twitter.com/SivXX7ZDYf— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 24, 2025 The second half of the play-off final saw a noticeable shift in intensity, with Sunderland pushing hard to get back into the game after going into the break 1–0 down. However, chances remained limited, and both sides struggled with composure in the final third.Early in the half, in the 51st minute, Romaine Mundle tried to spark Sunderland’s attack with a speculative effort from the edge of the box. With few options ahead of him, he decided to go for goal, but his shot flew harmlessly over the bar.The biggest moment of the half up to that point came in the 69th minute and nearly gifted Sheffield United a second goal. Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin made a costly mistake, hesitating in defense and allowing Brooks a clear opportunity just inside the box. However, goalkeeper Anthony Patterson came to the rescue once again, making a superb save with his feet. Dan Ballard then followed up with a crucial block to deny Brooks on the rebound, keeping Sunderland alive in the match.70′ – Brooks so close to a second! 😩⚔️ 1-0 🐈⬛ | #SHUSUN— Sheffield United (@SheffieldUnited) May 24, 2025 Sunderland’s persistence finally paid off in the 76th minute. Patrick Roberts slipped a short pass to Eliezer Mayenda inside the box, and the young forward showed superb composure. He cut inside his marker and fired a rocket into the top right corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance. It was a stunning finish to level the score at 1–1. You can see the goal HERE!Eli strikes at Wembley 😍 pic.twitter.com/AA60VP31Ou— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2025 Jobe Bellingham had a chance to complete the turnaround just minutes later in the 80th, but his long-range strike soared high over the bar.90+’ WHAT A FINISH!!! WHAT A MOMENT!!!Tommy Watson breaks forward and curls a brilliant low strike into the bottom corner![1-2] https://t.co/i54YEaw9rC— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) May 24, 2025 Just when everyone thought this match was heading into extra time and that we’d be watching another half hour of football, Tom Watson took advantage of Sheffield’s goalkeeper being blocked and, with a precise shot, beat Sunderland’s keeper to complete the comeback and send his team into an incredible celebration. The goal is HERE!CHAMPIONSHIP, Playoff, FinalSheffield United – Sunderland 1-2 (1-0)/Campbell 25 – Mayenda 76, Watson 90+5/
