Sunderland and Leeds United Draw 1-1 in Premier League Clash at the Stadium of Light
On 28 December 2025, Sunderland and Leeds United played to a 1-1 draw in a Premier League match at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland took the lead in the 28th minute through Simon Adingra, who scored his first goal for the club. The opening goal was set up by long throws from Nordi Mukiele, who was shifted from right-back to centre-back following Dan Ballard’s Achilles injury.
Leeds responded with an equaliser from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, marking his seventh goal in six games. The goal came after a flowing move involving all 11 Leeds players, beginning with goalkeeper Lucas Perri and finished by Calvert-Lewin following a cross from Brenden Aaronson.
Trailing to hold on to their lead, Sunderland defender Trai Hume made a crucial goalline clearance just before halftime to deny Leeds.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris faced challenges with six players missing due to the Africa Cup of Nations, leading to tactical adjustments and rotations. Leeds also made changes after Joe Rodon’s injury, switching from a 3-5-2 to a 4-4-2 formation, introducing Ao Tanaka to enhance control.
During the match, Le Bris substituted Brian Brobbey and Chris Rigg for Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda to maintain squad freshness.
The draw was seen as a potentially important point for Leeds and demonstrated that both teams have the capability to compete effectively in the Premier League.
