The Black Cats had trailed after Volnei Feltes scored a spectacular first-half goal, but Jules Ahoka headed in his first goal for the club on 67 minutes. Sadiki then settled the contest in the 93rd minute, finishing after excellent work from Enzo Le Fée and Granit Xhaka.
For head coach Régis Le Bris, the result was about more than another European victory. Sunderland had returned to European competition away from home for the first time in 53 years, and the dramatic finish offered another sign of a young side learning how to respond to difficult situations.
“We are back in Europe after 53 years - and in Portugal again - and winning this game at the end is really special,” Le Bris said.
“It is a symbol and really important for many reasons. Our fans were fantastic once again today and they are helping us all the time.”
The Sunderland manager was particularly pleased by his players’ refusal to accept defeat after falling behind against opponents who made life difficult for them.
“The team showed this evening a belief and they kept going until the end. We showed again this mindset and that is very important for us.”
Le Bris also highlighted the age of his starting line-up, describing the experience as part of the club’s longer-term development rather than simply a result to celebrate.
“As a team and a club we are growing up and we need experiences. Our starting XI this evening was just 22, so this team is young but they have huge potential,” he continued.
“The potential is all about getting more experiences to learn and grow. We have to accept it won’t be easy, but we need to show consistency, discipline and work hard every day. The players showed that today.”
Torreense coach Carlos Simões was left with pride in his players but disappointment at conceding so late. The Portuguese second-division side had pushed Sunderland to the limit and looked set to earn a memorable result before Sadiki’s intervention.
“We're very sad, but also enormously proud. Enormously proud. I think it was incredible how we, Torreense, a second-division team, managed to come into a match like this and feel that losing in the very last minute is frustrating. It's unbelievable,” Simões told UEFA.
“These players fought, worked hard and followed everything that had been thought out and planned throughout the week. Conceding a goal in the last minute is a blow to the chest. The players are in the dressing room, devastated.”
Sunderland left Portugal with the points, while Torreense were left to reflect on a disciplined performance undone at the final moment.