Sunderland under-23s lock horns with Portuguese giants Porto at the Stadium of Light this evening in the club’s first EVER European final (kick-off 7pm).
Last Monday saw the Black Cats end their Premier League 2 campaign in defeat at Reading, however, a late rally from second-year scholars Elliot Embleton and Josh Maja set-up a grandstand finish at the Madjeski Stadium.
Three quick-fire goals from the league’s bottom side handed The Royals full control of the domestic fixture, but spirit, determination and grit from starlets Embleton and Maja gave the Lads more than a just a platform to take into tonight’s showdown.
While last season saw Sunderland push Manchester United all the way for the Premier League 2 title, this campaign has seen Elliott Dickman’s side fair better in the International Cup.
Defeating heavyweights Benfica and PSV Eindhoven in their group, victory over Athletic Club set-up a last four clash at Norwich City, and Joel Asoro applied the match-winning strike to send Sunderland into their first EVER European final.
Tonight’s opponents, meanwhile, Porto have been as impressive, in not even more so in this competition, than Sunderland – conceding just one goal on their way to the final.
A slow start against Liverpool was put to bed when back-to-back victories over German side Wolfsburg and Leicester City saw them advance to the knockout stages.
The Portuguese club made light work of their quarter-final against Manchester United before they held their nerve to defeat Swansea City and reach their second International Cup final, courtesy of Galeno’s strike.
If the match is level after 90 minutes then extra-time and potentially penalties will determine the outcome of the match.
TICKETS
Almost 20,000 Sunderland fans have snapped up tickets for tonight's match, with entry available for FREE.
Fans without a ticket for tonight’s game can collect a ticket from the Black Cat House ticket office.
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Live audio commentary will also available tonight on safc.com from 6.30pm.
