Sunderland held 1–1 at Lech Poznan as Timur Tutierov’s first senior goal cannot extend winning start

Sunderland remain unbeaten in the Europa League after a 1–1 draw at Lech Poznan, but missed chances prevented them from making it three wins from three.

Timur Tutierov headed in his first senior goal for the club after just two minutes, only for substitute Leo Bengtsson to equalise in the 70th minute.

The result takes Régis Le Bris’ side to seven points from their opening three league-phase fixtures. It also leaves frustration after Sunderland registered 25 attempts without adding to their early breakthrough.

Tutierov rewards Sunderland’s fast start

Le Bris made six changes from the side beaten 2–0 at Bournemouth on Sunday, bringing Luke O’Nien, Dayann Méthalie, Jules Ahoka, Habib Diarra, Malick Fofana and Nilson Angulo into the starting XI.

Angulo made an immediate impact. Sunderland’s pressure forced an error from goalkeeper Mateusz Lis, and the winger supplied the cross for Tutierov to head home from close range.

Sunderland’s official report confirms it was Tutierov’s first senior goal, giving the visitors an early advantage at the Enea Stadion.

They had opportunities to strengthen that position. Fofana struck the post during the first half, while Diarra and Ahoka also threatened, but Sunderland reached the interval with only a one-goal lead.

Bengtsson equaliser punishes missed opportunities

Lech remained in the contest and eventually drew level through Bengtsson, who scored following a corner with 20 minutes remaining.

Sunderland continued to seek a winner, with substitute Chris Rigg going close late on. Robin Roefs also made important saves to prevent the hosts from completing the turnaround.

The figures underline both Sunderland’s attacking threat and the danger they faced. FotMob’s match report records 25 Sunderland shots, including 11 on target, against Lech’s 16 attempts.

The same report puts expected goals at 2.76 for Sunderland and 2.47 for Lech. Those estimates are not a verdict on what the score should have been, but they support a more balanced reading than Sunderland’s shot total alone: both teams created enough to threaten a winner.

Seven points keeps Sunderland well placed

Sunderland’s winning start has ended, but their unbeaten European run continues. Seven points from nine gives them a strong platform with five league-phase matches remaining.

Tutierov’s goal and the number of chances created offered encouragement after the Bournemouth defeat. The cost of failing to score again was equally clear, with Lech able to recover despite conceding almost immediately.

Sunderland leave Poland with another point, though this was an opportunity to take more.

The goals, line-ups and match statistics are available in Dave.Sport’s Lech Poznan–Sunderland coverage.