Lech Poznan 1-1 Sunderland: Bengtsson 70; Tutierov 2
This was a bitter-sweet night for Sunderland. An unbeaten record from their first three games back in Europe has shown the promise of Regis Le Bris’ side.
They arrived at the Enea Stadion in Poland with two wins from their opening Europa League matches against AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, and left with their unbeaten record intact, but their winning run came to an end after they failed to protect an early lead.
Le Bris made six changes against Lech Poznan following Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Bournemouth. Habib Diarra returned to the starting line-up for his first start of the season after recovering from injury, and Timur Tutierov was handed another opportunity to impress.
The young forward needed only two minutes to make his mark. Nilson Angulo intercepted a weak pass from Lech goalkeeper Mateusz Lis and sent a cross into the middle of the box. Tutierov met it with a header to score his first goal for Sunderland.
The early breakthrough set the tone for an open first half. Lech threatened an equaliser when Robin Roefs made two saves in quick succession to deny Patrik Walemark and Antoni Kozubal. Diarra then drove forward at the other end but could only shoot into the side netting.
The hosts continued to find space in the Sunderland defence. Pablo Rodriguez fired just wide before Daniel Hakans found himself through on goal, only to send his effort past the post.
Sunderland also had chances to increase their advantage. Captain Granit Xhaka forced Lis into a save, and the rebound fell to Malick Fofana, whose shot struck the post. Dayann Methalie then tested the goalkeeper from close range as the visitors searched for a second goal.
The game remained lively after the break, but neither side showed enough composure in front of goal. Fofana sent an effort over the bar after cutting into the penalty area, and Diarra missed the target at the other end. Angulo also tested Lis before Nordi Mukiele forced the Lech goalkeeper into another fine save.
Pink in Poznań 💖 https://t.co/C6W6bJk8Fi
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 22, 2026
Lech gradually gained momentum as Sunderland struggled to find a decisive second goal. Substitute Leo Bengtsson initially failed to make the most of a chance created by Walemark, but he made amends with 20 minutes remaining.
A corner caused problems in the Sunderland defence, and the loose ball fell to Bengtsson just inside the penalty area. He struck a low shot into the bottom corner to bring the hosts level.
The equaliser gave Lech fresh belief, and they nearly took the lead moments later. Roefs produced an excellent point-blank save to deny Michal Gurgal and prevent Sunderland from falling behind.
The visitors tried to respond in the closing stages. Fofana dragged another effort wide before substitute Chris Rigg sent a powerful shot onto the roof of the net. Sunderland had to settle for a point.
