Sunderland’s Carabao Cup campaign took a decisive turn at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, as the Black Cats dismantled Brentford 3‑0 to book a place in the quarter‑finals. The hosts surged ahead early, with Chemsdine Talbi opening the score after a slick pass from Joceline Ta Bi. Ta Bi was again pivotal, setting up Tymur Tutierov three minutes later, and then assisting Malick Fofana for a third goal before the break.
Brentford managed a solitary consolation through former Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, who volleyed into the bottom corner just before halftime. Sunderland’s manager Regis le Bris, who had fielded eleven new players in a 0‑0 draw with Leeds United, displayed a side that could control the game and exploit opportunities.
Striker Igor Thiago missed a chance in the 65th minute but eventually scored a late bullet header in added time, a consolation that proved too little, too late. The victory marks Sunderland’s first appearance in the last eight of the competition since 2022.
In the next round, the Black Cats will face Crystal Palace, who also struggled early in the season but secured a win at Fulham last Wednesday.
