“I HEARD HIM SCREAM ‘SHOOT’!” — NOAH SADIKI REVEALS WHAT GRANIT XHAKA TOLD HIM BEFORE HIS DRAMATIC LAST-MINUTE WINNER FOR SUNDERLAND

Sunderland midfielder Noah Sadiki has revealed how Granit Xhaka’s simple instruction helped inspire his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Torreense, sealing a remarkable 2–1 comeback victory in the Europa League.

Sunderland supporters were given another European night to remember on Thursday after the Black Cats fought back from behind to secure all three points against Portuguese side Torreense.

However, beyond the late drama and celebrations, Sadiki’s revelation about Xhaka’s role in the winning goal has provided another glimpse into the leadership and experience the Swiss midfielder brings to Régis Le Bris’s team.

With the match approaching its conclusion and Sunderland desperately searching for a winner, Xhaka had one clear message for his teammate.

And Sadiki listened.

Sunderland Were Facing a Frustrating Night in Portugal

Sunderland travelled to Portugal hoping to continue their impressive start to their Europa League campaign, but Torreense proved far more difficult opponents than many had anticipated.

The hosts took the lead in the 37th minute when Volnei Feltes produced an outstanding long-range finish, leaving the visitors with plenty of work to do.

Despite their efforts, Sunderland struggled to find a breakthrough before the interval, and Le Bris knew changes were necessary if his side were to avoid dropping points.

The Sunderland manager responded by introducing several experienced players, including Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo.

Those substitutions gradually changed the game.

Sunderland began to apply greater pressure, moved the ball with more purpose and created better opportunities as Torreense found themselves increasingly under pressure.

Their persistence eventually paid off in the 67th minute when Jules Ahoka headed home the equaliser following a delivery from Mukiele.

At 1–1, the contest was finely balanced, but Sunderland were not finished.

They continued searching for a decisive moment, and it was Sadiki who eventually delivered it.

‘I Heard Granit Scream Shoot’ — Sadiki Explains the Decisive Moment

With the match entering stoppage time, Sunderland needed someone to take responsibility and produce something special.

That moment arrived in the 93rd minute.

Following a promising attacking move involving Le Fée and Xhaka, the ball fell into Sadiki’s path inside the opposition penalty area.

Rather than taking another touch or hesitating over his next move, the midfielder heard his experienced teammate’s instruction.

Speaking after the game, Sadiki explained how Xhaka’s words influenced his decision.

“When (Xhaka) touched it, I heard him scream ‘shoot’. I didn’t think twice I just shot and hoped it was going in and that the keeper wouldn’t save it. It went in and I’m really happy.”

Those words captured the simplicity of the decisive moment.

Xhaka recognised the opportunity, encouraged Sadiki to take his chance, and the 21-year-old midfielder responded with a superb half-volley that beat the goalkeeper.

It was Sadiki’s first goal for Sunderland, and he could hardly have chosen a more dramatic occasion to open his account.

The strike completed Sunderland’s comeback, securing a 2–1 victory and sending the travelling supporters into wild celebrations.

Granit Xhaka’s Leadership Continues to Make a Difference

Xhaka’s contribution against Torreense highlighted why his presence could prove so important to Sunderland throughout the season.

The experienced midfielder brings technical quality, composure and leadership, but sometimes his greatest contribution comes from recognising what a teammate needs in a crucial moment.

Against Torreense, his instruction was straightforward: shoot.

Yet that simple encouragement helped Sadiki trust his instincts when the opportunity arrived.

The Switzerland international had also played an important role in Sunderland’s second-half improvement after coming off the bench.

His involvement in the winning move underlined the influence he can have when the Black Cats need a moment of quality to change a game.

For Sadiki, meanwhile, scoring his first Sunderland goal could prove an important milestone as he continues developing his contribution to the team.

Le Bris will undoubtedly be pleased with the determination his players showed to recover from a difficult position and fight until the final whistle.

Nevertheless, the manager will also know that Sunderland must learn from the difficulties they experienced against a determined Torreense side.

Sunderland Continue Their Winning Start in Europe

The victory means Sunderland have now won their opening two Europa League matches, following their earlier success against AZ Alkmaar.

Although Thursday’s performance was far from straightforward, the result demonstrated the importance of maintaining belief when a game appears to be slipping away.

For the supporters who travelled to Portugal, Sadiki’s late strike provided the perfect ending to a memorable evening.

The midfielder’s first goal for the club, Xhaka’s decisive encouragement and the team’s determination to complete the comeback combined to produce a moment Sunderland fans will hope becomes one of many special memories from their European campaign.

Attention now turns to their upcoming Premier League fixture against Bournemouth as Le Bris looks to maintain the momentum generated by the dramatic victory.

One thing is certain: Sadiki will not forget the moment his experienced teammate shouted those two words.

“Shoot!”

He did exactly that, and Sunderland left Portugal with all three points.