In a classic FA Cup giant-killing, League One's Sunderland delivered a seismic shock to the football world, sending Unai Emery's Aston Villa packing with a spirited 2-1 victory at a raucous Stadium of Light.
The Championship side, roared on by a fervent home crowd, took a surprise lead in the first half. A defensive mix-up from Villa, following a poorly dealt with set-piece, resulted in an own goal as Matty Cash inadvertently diverted the ball into his own net under intense pressure.
Villa, fielding a strong side, struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined and energetic Black Cats outfit. Their task was made immeasurably harder just before the half-time whistle when defender Reinildo Mandava, making his full debut after a long-term injury, was shown a straight red card for a reckless, high challenge.
Facing a full forty-five minutes with ten men, Villa emerged with renewed purpose after the break. Their pressure told as Matty Cash redeemed himself, firing a powerful low shot into the bottom corner to level the scores and set up a grandstand finish.
However, Sunderland refused to be denied a historic win. With the tie heading towards a replay at Villa Park, substitute Hemir Semedo emerged as the hero, rising highest to nod home a magnificent cross from Adil Aouchiche in the 88th minute, sending the home supporters into delirium.
The result marks a monumental upset and serves as a brutal reminder of the magic of the FA Cup, while posing serious questions for Villa's squad depth and trophy ambitions this season.
