Liverpool delivered a statement of intent in their pursuit of Champions League football, breaking Sunderland’s impressive home streak with a hard-fought 1-0 victory at the Stadium of Light on February 11, 2026. In a match that lived up to its billing as a crucial midweek Premier League encounter, the Reds edged past the newly promoted hosts, who had been unbeaten at home all season. The win propelled Liverpool to 42 points after 26 matches, keeping their top-four hopes alive, while Sunderland remained on 36 points, slipping to 11th place after their fortress was finally breached.
Heading into the clash, the stakes were sky-high for both sides. Sunderland, under Regis Le Bris, had made their home ground a fortress, collecting 26 of their 36 points at the Stadium of Light and boasting a 12-match unbeaten home run in the Premier League. For Liverpool, managed by Arne Slot, the match was a must-win to regain confidence after a recent 1-2 defeat to Manchester City and to keep pace in the race for Champions League qualification. The Reds sat sixth in the table, five points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, and desperately needed three points to stay in the hunt.
Sunderland’s recent form had been patchy—three wins, four draws, and three losses in their last ten league games—but their home record was intimidating. Liverpool, meanwhile, had been inconsistent on the road, winning just two of their last ten away league matches and conceding 21 goals in 12 away games this season. Still, history favored the visitors: Sunderland hadn't beaten Liverpool in their last 11 Premier League meetings, with their last win dating back to March 2012. The Reds’ pedigree and experience made them slight favorites despite their recent struggles.
The match kicked off at 03:15 AM local time in Thailand, with both sides fielding strong lineups in a classic 4-2-3-1 formation. Sunderland started Robin Rufs in goal, protected by a back four of Nordi Mukiele, Dan Ballard, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo Mandava. In midfield, Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra anchored, with Trey Hume, Enzo Le Fée, and Chemsdine Talbi supporting striker Brian Brobbey. Liverpool countered with Alisson Becker in goal, Watari Endo at right back, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk in central defense, and Andy Robertson on the left. Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister patrolled midfield, while Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz, and Cody Gakpo supported center forward Hugo Ekitike.
Early exchanges were cagey, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Liverpool’s first real chance arrived in the ninth minute when Ibrahima Konaté fired from outside the box, only for the ball to sail wide. Florian Wirtz was particularly lively for the visitors, rattling the post with a fierce left-footed shot in the 33rd minute and forcing Robin Rufs into a fine save with a header just minutes later. Andy Robertson also tested Rufs before halftime, but the Sunderland keeper was equal to the challenge. At the break, the score remained 0-0, with Liverpool having created 14 chances but only two on target. Sunderland, meanwhile, had two chances with one on target.
Sunderland emerged after halftime with renewed energy. Trey Hume’s long-range effort in the 50th minute sailed over, and Nordi Mukiele went close with a left-footed shot in the 58th. But it was Liverpool who broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, capitalizing on a set piece. Mohamed Salah whipped in a corner, and Virgil van Dijk rose highest to head the ball toward the far post. Habib Diarra, stationed on the line, attempted to clear but only managed to help the ball into his own net. The goal was officially credited to van Dijk, with Salah earning the assist. It was a classic captain’s contribution at a pivotal moment.
Just two minutes later, Liverpool suffered a blow when Watari Endo, making his first league start at right back, went down with a serious ankle injury after a defensive sprint. Endo tried to play on but was eventually stretchered off, replaced by Joe Gomez. The setback forced Liverpool into a defensive reshuffle, but the visitors held firm under increasing Sunderland pressure.
Arne Slot made further changes, introducing Curtis Jones for Cody Gakpo in the 75th minute and Federico Chiesa for Hugo Ekitike in the 87th. Sunderland threw men forward in search of an equalizer, but Liverpool’s defense, marshaled by van Dijk and Konaté, stood tall. Mohamed Salah nearly doubled the lead deep into stoppage time, but his right-footed drive whistled just past the post in the 90+7th minute.
“We needed this win to get back on track,” said Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot after the match, according to local reports. “It wasn’t easy—Sunderland are tough at home—but the boys showed great character, especially after losing Endo to injury.” The victory was Liverpool’s first away win at Sunderland since their 1-0 triumph in December 2015, and it marked the end of Sunderland’s remarkable home record for the season.
For Sunderland, it was a bitter pill to swallow. Their 12-match unbeaten home run had been the longest by a newly promoted Premier League side since Nottingham Forest’s 21-game streak in 1977-78. Despite the setback, head coach Regis Le Bris remained upbeat: “We pushed Liverpool all the way. The players gave everything, and our fans were incredible. We’ll regroup and look to start a new run at home.”
The result also extended Liverpool’s dominance over newly promoted teams: they are now unbeaten in their last 20 such Premier League encounters, with 15 wins and 5 draws. Sunderland, on the other hand, have not tasted victory against Liverpool in 12 straight league meetings. The Reds’ away form remains a concern—they’ve still won just three of their last 11 on the road—but this win could be the spark they need as the season enters its decisive phase.
Looking ahead, Liverpool’s next challenge will be to maintain momentum and close the gap to the top four, with Chelsea just two points ahead in fifth. Sunderland, meanwhile, will aim to bounce back and prove that their home fortress can be rebuilt. The Premier League’s midweek drama delivered once again, with Liverpool emerging as the first team to conquer the Stadium of Light this season. For both sides, the race is far from over, and every point will count as the campaign heads toward its thrilling conclusion.