Sunderland Under-23s 0 Porto 5: Black Cats outclassed in Premier League International Cup final defeat

The Porto B side, who play in the Portugese second division, were in complete control throughout, looking a cut above their English counterparts.

Galeno, Fede Varela and Joris Kayembe all shone for Porto. They were outstanding. But they weren't alone. Porto were head and shoulders above Sunderland.

It was one of those nights were in 10 years time you'd reminisce saying: "I remember seeing him play at the Stadium of Light once".

You could be talking about any one of the Porto players. The gulf in class was clear.

It was a tough evening for Elliott Dickman's youngsters, who were thoroughly outclassed.

Over 18,000 fans had snapped up free tickets to watch the final at the Stadium of Light, with around 30 Porto fans making the long journey - and making themselves heard - in the East

Stand.

And they had plenty to cheer just five minutes into the final of the Premier League International Cup, now in its third season.

The ball was played inside Sunderland right back Josh Robson, Galeno collects inside the box and curling a low finish past Max Stryjek just inside his right-hand post.

There was little he could do about it, a class finish. Porto were knocking the ball around at will, with Sunderland struggling to get a foothold in the game.

Rees Greenwood flashed an effort wide, while Joris Kayembe was causing constant problems for the Sunderland defence.

Skipper Ethan Robson gifted possession to dangerman Andre Pereira 28 minutes in, the midfielder playing in Galeno but his shot was straight at Stryjek.

It was all Porto in the early stages and they should have doubled their lead half an hour in from the penalty spot. Donald Love brought down Galeno but Stryjek got him out of jail.

The Sunderland stopper dived low to his left to deny Kayembe, although in truth it was a poor penalty.

Porto didn't have to wait long before they doubled their lead, 19-year-old Brazilian ace Galeno - who has a 40 million Euro release clause in his contract - blasting past Stryjek.

And it was 3-0 in added-on time, Andre Pereira turning the ball in at the back post after a superb piece of skill from Kayembe inside the Sunderland area.

Sunderland had been outclassed by their Portugese counterparts.

Half-time: Sunderland Under-23s 0 Porto B 3

Sunderland showed far more attacking intent from the off. Greenwood and Gooch both firing attempts at goal.

But they were soon 4-0 down. Fernando Fonseca with an effort blocked before the impressive Belgian Kayembe swept home Porto's fourth of the night.

And it was soon 5-0.

Chidozie Awaziem at the back post unmarked allowed to loop a header over Stryjek from a free-kick. It was all too easy for the Porto B side.

Asoro broke into the area just past the hour mark, he tumbled down but the referee waved play on to the dismay of the Sunderland fans inside the Stadium of Light.

Asoro crossed for half-time sub Luke Molyneux but he fired narrowly over as Sunderland looked to regain some pride in the final stages of the game.

Kayembe oozed class for Porto. He was given a standing ovation by the home support when he was subbed. And rightly so.

Credit to Sunderland for maintaining their composure and shape to keep the scoreline down to a semi-respectable level.

But the Black Cats had been well and truly outclassed. Their dream of lifting a European cup will have to wait another season.

Full-time: Sunderland Under-23s 0 Porto B 5

Sunderland XI: Stryjek, Love, Robson J, Beadling, Hume, Embleton, Robson E, Greenwood, Gooch, Maja, Asoro

Subs: Talbot, Brotherton, Wright, Casey, Molyneux, Gamble.

Porto: Gudino, Awaziem, Kayambe, Santos, Ramos, Fonseca, Moreira, Govea, Varela, Galeno, Pereira.

Subs: Silva, Diaz, Graca, Verdasca, Pires, Musa, Djim.