Sheffield United vs. AFC Sunderland 1:2: A Netflix Happy End

It was “The Million Game” – Sheffield United vs. AFC Sunderland 1:2 (1:0) on May 24, 2025! The promotion match to the Premier League at Wembley with “The Blades” and “The Black Cats,” eyeing up to 200 million euros in additional revenue, top-notch atmosphere in the temple of English football – simply thrilling. 

The British national anthem God Save the King was performed a cappella. Then came a short speech from England cult footballer Vinnie “The Axe” Jones on Wembley’s big screens, and off we went! 

The two teams didn’t waste any time. Just two minutes in, Sheffield striker Kieffer Moore aimed a header towards goal, but he was denied from close range by Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson, who managed to tip the ball around the post. 

In typically changeable London weather – a sun-and-rain mix so characteristic of Wembley finals – Sheffield had the better start. 

Basham on Sheffield United: “Don’t want to see any tears” 

“I’ve followed Sheffield all season,” said former “Blades” defender Chris Basham on BBC Radio Sheffield, “they play with great confidence, but I’m very nervous. I don’t want to see any tears at the end.” 
No one associated with the “Million Game” wants that either. But only one team can secure the Premier League ticket. 

After 25 minutes, the luck of the game seemed to shift further in favor of the “Blades” – 1:0 through Tyrese Campbell! A well-weighted cross from the left by Gustavo Hamer was chipped into the goal by Campbell. 

“The roof is coming off on one side of Wembley,” commented Alex Hoad on BBC Sport about the jubilant United fans after this truly relieving goal.

Since 2010, when Cardiff City played Blackpool, no team had lost the playoff final after taking the lead. 

May 24, 2025: Tom Watson (obscured) and AFC Sunderland celebrate the late 2:1 in the “Million Game,” the playoff final for the Premier League against Sheffield United. Photo: Imago Images / Focus

Sunderland: Second shot on goal – equalizer!

Patterson kept “The Black Cats” in the game with a brilliant foot save against Dennis Cirkin (70’), which could have sealed the deal for Sheffield United.
But it wasn’t over yet. Eliezer Mayenda had one more in the chamber for Sunderland – 1:1 from the penalty spot area after 76 minutes and a storm of celebration on the other side of the stadium, fascinating! The early-substituted Luke O’Nien, arm in a sling, joined in the celebrations – what a scene! 

It was only AFC Sunderland’s second shot on target in this match…

With the equalizer, extra time loomed for only the ninth time in the history of this final. 

Then came Tom Watson – 2:1 in the fifth minute of stoppage time! The substitute Watson fired in from 17 meters, in true tabletop soccer style, catching Sheffield United goalkeeper Michael Cooper off guard. 

Material for Sunderland 'till I die on Netflix: Promotion hero not in the matchday program

And if the gripping Netflix documentary Sunderland 'till I die needed one more story for season four, this goal was it. 
It was the goal that should end eight years in the second and third English leagues (four years each). 
And it was scored by a player who didn’t even appear in Wembley’s matchday program, as BBC Sport colleague Steve Marshall discovered. Marshall: “What a story! Watson fires Sunderland into the Premier League in stoppage time!”

After more than 100 minutes played, it was over: Sheffield United vs. AFC Sunderland 1:2 – and with that, the team including BVB target Jobe Bellingham is promoted to the Premier League. 

On Wembley’s royal box, club legends Jordan “Hendo” Henderson and Niall Quinn celebrated with the “Black Cats.” The ecstatic promotion heroes practically stormed up the 107 steps to receive the trophy. 

Now, at Wearside, anticipation builds for matches against Liverpool, Arsenal, and the Tyne and Wear Derby against Newcastle United – and I can tell you from personal experience: This derby is definitely a football trip to the Premier League worth taking. 
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