Overview

• Sunderland defeated Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship play-off final at Wembley, with goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Tommy Watson overturning an early deficit.
• Tommy Watson's decisive 95th-minute strike was his final act for Sunderland before moving to Brighton, capping a dramatic comeback for the Black Cats.
• The victory marked the first time in 15 years that a team has come from behind to win a Championship play-off final.
• Sunderland's promotion is estimated to bring £220 million in financial benefits, including parachute payments, as they prepare for the 2025/26 Premier League season.
• Manager Regis Le Bris credited the team's resilience and strategic substitutions for the win, while Sheffield United's Chris Wilder lamented a pivotal VAR decision that disallowed a second goal.