Sunderland’s winning start in the Europa League was ended with a 1-1 draw away to Lech Poznan. The point keeps Sunderland unbeaten in Europe this season but ends their winning start, which saw them claim back-to-back victories over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense. A thrilling opening saw Sunderland go in front early through Timur Tutierov, who was making just his third competitive start since arriving at Sunderland’s academy in 2023.
The visitors had opportunities to extend their lead when Malick Fofana hit the post and Nordi Mukiele forced a strong save from Mateusz Lis, but Lech responded in the 70th minute through the substitute Leo Bengtsson’s low strike. Régis Le Bris made six changes from Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, including a first start of the season for Habib Diarra following his return from injury. Sunderland took the lead in the second minute when Nilson Angulo pounced on a tame pass from Lis, and the winger crossed into Tutierov in the middle of the box to comfortably nod home for his first Sunderland goal.
Robin Roefs was called into action at the opposite end with a double save to deny Patrik Wålemark and palm away Antoni Kozubal’s header before Diarra charged up the pitch and fired into the side netting. The hosts had two good chances to level when Pablo Rodríguez blasted just past the post and Daniel Håkans was played through in a one-on-one with Roefs but flicked his shot wide. Sunderland enjoyed a good spell of possession which saw the skipper, Granit Xhaka, have a strike parried away by Lis and the rebound fell to Fofana, who rattled the woodwork.
Moments later Dayann Méthalie was denied at the near post by Lis as the visitors pushed for a second goal. Early in the second half, Fofana cut into the box but could only send his effort over and Poznan looked to strike when Wålemark scuffed a shot wide following a good solo run. Diarra fired wide for and Angulo’s low strike was scooped up by Lis, who moments later made a great save to tip Mukiele’s shot over the bar.
Bengtsson looked to make an instant impact from the bench when his effort from Wålemark’s cross was sent wide. However, the midfielder made no mistake when next presented with an opportunity as a corner rebounded towards him just inside the area and he fired into the bottom corner with 20 minutes to play. Poznan almost took the lead moments later when Roefs made a brilliant point-blank stop from Michal Gurgul.
Fofana skewed an effort wide as Sunderland looked to restore their advantage and the substitute Chris Rigg’s powerful shot landed on the roof of the net, but the spoils were shared. Juventus dropped their first points of the Europa League campaign after coming from behind to draw 2-2 with visitors Rennes. Zeki Celik gave Juventus a fifth-minute lead, but the French side kept their composure and were level 10 minutes later when the Jordan international Musa Al-Taamari finished from close range for his first goal in the competition.
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