Eliezer mayenda explains 'special' sunderland factor behind promotion

THE YOUNG SPANISH STRIKER WAS A WEMBLEY HERO WITH HIS GOAL AGAINST SHEFFIELD UNITED CLIVE YOULTON 17:00, 28 May 2025 Wembley hero Eliezer Mayenda has reflected on a breakthrough season,

Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League, and the powerful connection between players and fans following the club’s triumph. The Spaniard, 20, became the third-youngest player to

score in a Championship play-off final when his right-footed rocket flew past Michael Cooper to level the game on 76 minutes. Brighton & Hove Albion-bound Tommy Watson then completed an

incredible turnaround, stroking the ball into the bottom corner from 25 yards to send the 36,000 Sunderland supporters into ecstasy. The victory sealed the Lads’ return to the Premier League

for the 2025/26 season, ending an eight-year absence and capping a superb individual campaign for the Spain U21 international, who registered 15 goal contributions. “I think everybody

deserves it, the fans, the staff, the players, the president, everybody,” he told the club. “The team spirit was very good all through the season. “On Saturday, we were feeling it on the

pitch. We knew we could do more. We knew we could be more brave. We knew we could attack more and we could put more intensity into our play, especially in the second half. “I think the team

spirit was special, especially the connection with the fans in the second half. Article continues below “We tried to keep pushing in every attack. And the fans pushed us again. He continued:

“If you compare it to last season, it was better. I scored goals, made some assists and I helped the team a lot, I think. “I’m very happy for this season, because I think I did a good

season and we got the promotion. So I’m just very happy about that.” Article continues below _Make sure you don't miss out on the latest SAFC news by joining our free WhatsApp group.

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