Phil Smith's tour diary: What it was like in Leiria as Sunderland's Portuguese party gets fitting ending
Sunderland completed a dramatic comeback to beat Torreense in Leiria on Thursday evening
Maybe it shouldn't have come to this, and maybe the manner of the performance in the first hour in particular will in the cold light of day leave Sunderland fans with a few concerns.
But if you've waited a lifetime for a game like this, can there really be a better way to win it?
On Praca Rodrigues Lobo, which has become an official Wearside outpost over the last couple of days, there had earlier in the day been the feeling of the faintly surreal. This was a trip generations had dreamed of making and put simply, it couldn't have been going much better. The atmosphere was relaxed, the sun shining as temperatures ticked up towards 30 degrees, the Super Bock flowing and the locals welcoming. The mood felt more like a pre-season party and the expectation of a slightly unfamiliar team with Timur Tutierov potentially leading the line only adding to the feeling. The point was made, though, that this could change quickly if Sunderland fell behind.
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An hour into this game, things were a little on the edge. Nothing was going to take away from this adventure and this moment but even so it has not been an easy start to the season and defeat to second-tier opposition, organised and tenacious as they were, would have led to more questions about form and confidence and selection and everything else besides.
Sunderland had not sparkled in the opening half hour but they had been comfortable and in control, making Volnei's sensational goal all the more surprising. It has felt all season like every shot from distance seems to be flying into the top corner, but none have been as beautifully struck as this one when you consider the Brazilian had broken forward from centre back and has only four league career goals to his name. The realisation of a potential defeat quickly began to dawn as Torreense started to slow the game down, the drum beat and the chanting of their small but passionate following growing ever louder. As sand from a poor pitch continued to fly around the players, the Port Vale vibes were unmistakable.
You could most definitely argue that it was not ideal for Sunderland to have to rely on their four experienced stalwarts to come on and turn the game around, or you could take the positive and say that it built the sense of theatre for the travelling fans impeccably. Xhaka, Mukiele and co put Torreense firmly on the back foot and a team that had been laboured in the game suddenly looked like scoring with just about every attack.
After the referee overturned his decision to award a penalty to Tutierov, time ultimately seemed to be against Sunderland. It looked as if they would have to make their peace with a point that was frustrating and disappointing but not the embarrassing end to a memorable trip that for a while looked to be on the cards.
How fitting that Sunderland snatched it, reviving the spirit of 'Til The End that carried them all the way to Leiria on so many of those other days when the performance wasn't perfect. A beautifully worked goal, an emphatic finish, and a delirious celebration under the castle. As the singalong continued long into the night back on Praca Rodrigues Lobo, you just had to accept that this is what Sunderland do. Perfect? Not even close. But this is why we love them.
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