Sunderland maintained their unbeaten start to the UEFA Europa League campaign after playing out a 1-1 draw with Polish champions Lech Poznan on Thursday.
The Black Cats took the lead less than two minutes into the encounter through Ukrainian forward Tymur Tuterov but were unable to secure all three points after Leo Bengtsson equalised for the hosts in the second half.
Sunderland made a bright start when Nilson Angulo capitalised on an underhit pass from Lech goalkeeper Mateusz Lis before delivering a cross for Tuterov to head home his first goal for the English club after just 78 seconds.
The early goal set the tone for an entertaining opening period, with both teams creating opportunities.
Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced an important double save to deny the hosts before Antoni Kozubal sent a promising one-on-one effort wide.
At the other end, Lis was called into action to keep out two attempts from Granit Xhaka, while Malick Fofana struck the inside of the post as Sunderland searched for a second goal.
Sunderland went into the interval with their slender advantage intact and continued to push for another goal after the restart.
Habib Diarra fired wide before Lis was forced to tip Nordi Mukiele’s rising effort over the crossbar.
However, the visitors paid for their missed chances in the 70th minute when substitute Leo Bengtsson fired a low shot past Roefs to restore parity for Lech Poznan.
The hosts grew in confidence following the equaliser and nearly completed a comeback, but Roefs came to Sunderland’s rescue with another impressive double save to deny Patrik Walemark and Michal Gurgul from close range.
The draw means Sunderland remain unbeaten in the Europa League after recording victories over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense in their opening two league-phase matches.
Meanwhile, Lech Poznan claimed their first point of the league phase and will hope to build on the result in their remaining fixtures.
Nilson Angulo was named Man of the Match for his influential performance, which included the assist for Sunderland’s early opener.
