Sunderland failed to secure a third straight Europa League win as they let an early lead slip in a 1-1 draw against Lech Poznan in Poland. Regis le Bris’ team created many chances but could not convert their first-half superiority into a definitive advantage.
The outcome came after losses in four consecutive Premier League games, with the Black Cats finding it hard to maintain the same level of consistency in domestic play. Nevertheless, their offensive performance provided optimism before an important return to league competition.
Sunderland scores first against Lech Poznan
Sunderland took only two minutes to open the scoring. Nilson Angulo took advantage of a poor pass from goalkeeper Mateusz Lis and then crossed for Timur Tutierov, who headed in his first goal for the club. The striker came in with Wilson Isidor and Brian Brobbey both out due to injury.
Lech Poznan created several chances during an open beginning to the game. Robin Roefs made a crucial save to keep Sunderland ahead, while Daniel Hakans later shot wide after being played through on goal by Pablo Rodriguez.
The visitors kept threatening as the first half went on, with Malick Fofana striking the woodwork. Le Bris had good reason to be frustrated that his side had not extended their lead, having recorded eight shots on target before halftime.
Lech Poznan capitalizes on Sunderland’s wasted opportunities
Sunderland’s failure to put the game out of reach nearly cost them shortly after the hour mark. An unmarked Leo Bengtsson found himself at the far post with a chance to equalize, but the substitute could not direct his volley on target.
The warning was ignored, and Lech Poznan finally broke through with 20 minutes left. Sunderland’s careless defending let Bengtsson find space in the penalty area, where he struck a clean half-volley to score the Polish champions’ first Europa League goal of the season.
The equalizer shifted the momentum of the match, forcing Sunderland to endure a period of pressure as their energy levels fell. Having appeared capable of controlling the game earlier, the visitors were left looking for a late reply.
They nearly found one when Chris Rigg curled a shot toward goal from outside the box, but the ball went just wide of the post. Sunderland had come close to earning another late European away win, but their profligacy ultimately cost them all three points.
Sunderland shows positives despite Europa League draw
Although the result ended Sunderland’s perfect start in the competition, the performance gave encouraging signs. Angulo and Fofana posed an attacking threat from the wings, and the visitors demonstrated they could trouble Lech Poznan with their speed and forward play.
Le Bris also had to deal with several key absences. First-choice forwards Brobbey and Isidor were unavailable, while experienced defenders Thomas Meunier and Dan Ballard were also out. Those setbacks limited his options as Sunderland’s intensity diminished after the break.
The draw keeps Sunderland’s hopes of reaching the Europa League knockout stages alive, but their failure to make the most of such a strong first-half display will be a worry. Creating chances was not the issue in Poland; finishing them was.
Focus now shifts to the Premier League, where Sunderland will play Leeds United on Sunday. Le Bris will hope his players can bring the quality and attacking intensity they showed in Poland into domestic play after a tough run of results.
Europa League matches for Sunderland and Lech Poznan
Sunderland’s next Europa League game is a home clash with Dinamo Zagreb on November 5, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT. The Black Cats will aim to get back to winning ways and strengthen their position in the competition.
Lech Poznan will visit Benfica on the same date, also starting at 20:00 GMT, after coming back from their early deficit to earn a point against Sunderland.