Sunderland Reaches Championship Playoff Final After Ballard Extra-Time Goal

Sunderland secured a dramatic 3-2 aggregate victory over Coventry City in the Championship playoff semi-final, thanks to a last-second header by defender Dan Ballard in extra time. Despite Coventry's dominance throughout the match and a late equalizer by Ephron Mason-Clark, Ballard's goal at the 123rd minute sent Sunderland to the final at Wembley against Sheffield United. Manager Régis Le Bris, known for his meticulous preparation, made tactical adjustments including moving advertising boards closer to the pitch to limit Coventry's long throws, contributing to Sunderland's resilience. Ballard, who had not been a regular starter, was pivotal both defensively and offensively, earning praise for his performance and impact. Sunderland aims to return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, while Coventry's manager Frank Lampard was left disappointed by the outcome. The victory sparked celebrations among fans, despite some pitch invasions, underscoring the high stakes and emotional intensity of the playoff.