Sunderland player ratings vs Torreense: Xhaka changes the game as Sadiki delivers late winner

Granit Xhaka earns Sunderland’s highest mark after helping transform a frustrating European evening into a dramatic 2–1 victory over Torreense.

Noah Sadiki supplied the stoppage-time winner in Leiria, while Jules Ahoka brought Sunderland level. But the influence of Xhaka and Nordi Mukiele from the bench was central to the turnaround.

Ratings are editorial assessments out of 10, based on published match reports and recorded incidents.

Sunderland player ratings vs Torreense

Robin Roefs — 6

Little realistic chance with Volnei Feltes’ outstanding long-range strike. Had relatively little else to deal with, making this a difficult evening to judge beyond the goal.

Trai Hume — 5

An avoidable booking for his reaction to the referee added to an unproductive evening. Sunderland needed more from the right, and Mukiele provided it after replacing him.

Luke O’Nien — 6

His long throw started the move for Tutierov’s disallowed goal. Much of his defensive work involved moving possession forward rather than dealing with sustained pressure.

Omar Alderete — 5.5

Missed a major opportunity from the rebound after Angulo’s header was saved. Also put a free-kick over and was penalised in the build-up to Tutierov’s disallowed goal. His attacking interventions should have produced more.

Dayann Methalie — 6

Made a useful recovery inside the penalty area shortly after half-time. Otherwise had limited influence before Reinildo’s introduction gave Sunderland a more aggressive option on the left.

Jules Ahoka — 7.5

His header brought Sunderland back into the contest, and he could have scored again when Xhaka found him in space. An increasingly important threat once the substitutions allowed him to get forward.

Noah Sadiki — 7.5

Produced the finish that mattered, meeting Xhaka’s knockdown with a superb late volley. More dangerous around the opposition area after the changes, although the winner should not disguise Sunderland’s earlier difficulties.

Nilson Angulo — 5.5

Had two headed opportunities, sending one over before forcing a fine save from Lucas Paes. Those chances offered encouragement, but Sunderland needed a more consistent attacking contribution.

Chris Rigg — 6

Provided an option between the lines and helped connect Sunderland’s passing. A supporting contribution rather than one of the decisive performances.

Malick Fofana — 5.5

Created an opportunity for Angulo after reaching the byline, but did not impose himself consistently. His best moments showed why Sunderland needed him to attack his opponent more often.

Timur Tutierov — 6.5

An eventful first senior start for Sunderland. Had a goal ruled out for a foul elsewhere in the move and later saw a penalty award overturned for offside. Got into promising positions without receiving the reward.

Substitutes

Granit Xhaka — 8

The most influential introduction. Created a clear opportunity for Ahoka before supplying the knockdown for Sadiki’s winner. His ability to find team-mates in dangerous areas gave Sunderland the quality they had been missing.

Nordi Mukiele — 7.5

Delivered the cross for Ahoka’s equaliser and added attacking purpose down the right. Also carried the ball forward to create a shooting opportunity for himself.

Enzo Le Fée — 7

Improved the combinations on the left and helped Sadiki become more involved. Played a part in the move for the winner, although a booking was an unnecessary blemish.

Reinildo — 6.5

Added urgency on the left and supported Sunderland’s push up the pitch. Less decisive than Xhaka or Mukiele, but contributed to the improvement after the quadruple change.