Sunderland Hold Lech Poznan 1-1 in Europa League After Early Lead

Sunderland drew 1-1 away at Lech Poznan in the Europa League on Thursday, ending their winning start to the competition but keeping them unbeaten in Europe this season.

The Europa League is the second tier of club football in Europe, below the Champions League, and it runs a league phase of matches before the knockout rounds. Sunderland had won their first two games, against AZ Alkmaar and Torreense, so the goalless spell in Poland was their first dropped point in the competition.

They started brightly. Nilson Angulo crossed from the left in the second minute, and Timur Tutierov rose to head home. It was his first goal for Sunderland, and it gave the visitors a lead that was hard to take for granted this early.

The lead lasted until the 70th minute. Substitute Leo Bengtsson struck a low shot to bring Lech Poznan level, and the home side pressed for a winner in the closing stages without finding one.

Sunderland's manager Regis Le Bris made six changes to the team that lost to Bournemouth in the Premier League. Changes of that size are a gamble, because the players come in with little time together. Habib Diarra made his first start of the season after returning from injury, and he was part of a side that held its shape well enough to keep the result.

Across Europe the same night brought other big names into action. Juventus faced Rennes, Bournemouth met Milan, and Crystal Palace played Celtic, all in the Europa League. Those matches were played at the same time as Sunderland's trip, so fans followed several games on their phones at once.

For Sunderland, the point is useful but it leaves a question. They have shown they can score first away from home, and they have a unbeaten record to protect. The next step is to turn those early goals into wins, not just draws.