Sunderland secured a 2-1 victory over Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes in their final pre-season friendly at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, overcoming an early setback to dominate the second half. Goals from Brian Brobbey and Trai Hume turned the game around after a first-half penalty had put Rennes ahead. The win caps a strong pre-season for the Black Cats, who finished 7th in the Premier League last season with 54 points (14W-12D-12L) and are on a four-game winning run (WWWWD) ahead of their season opener against Ipswich on August 22.
What happened in the match?
Sunderland trailed 1-0 at halftime after a Rennes penalty but responded with a dominant second-half display. Manager Regis Le Bris praised his team’s intensity, saying, "We needed to lift the intensity at half-time and we did just that. We imposed ourselves well in the second half." Brobbey and Hume’s goals sealed the comeback, while substitutes also made a strong impact, signaling depth ahead of the new campaign.
Why does this win matter for Sunderland?
The victory builds momentum after a 2-1 win over Chelsea in their last league match (2026-05-24) and extends their unbeaten streak to five games (4W-1D). Le Bris highlighted the team’s ability to play at high pressure, a key tactic as they aim to improve on last season’s 42 goals scored and 48 conceded (-6 goal difference). With 31 points separating them from leaders Arsenal, consistency will be crucial.
What’s next for Sunderland?
The Black Cats kick off their Premier League campaign away at Ipswich on August 22, looking to carry their pre-season form into the new season. Le Bris emphasized the importance of maintaining their standards, stating, "The subs made a good impact too-that’s a good sign for the season ahead."
