Sunderland suffer first Europa League defeat as poor form continues

Sunderland’s unbeaten run in the Europa League came to an end as they were beaten 2-0 by Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light.

Dinamo went ahead through Luka Stojkovic’s fierce strike and the midfielder turned provider for Dion Drena Beljo to double their advantage before the break.

Sunderland had opportunities to get back into it as Wilson Isidor’s header was chalked off for offside two minutes after the restart and Kevin Danso hit the crossbar before Brian Brobbey went close.

However, Regis Le Bris’ side ultimately fell to their first defeat in four Europa League matches to continue a worrying run of form, with the club bottom of the Premier League.

The Wearsiders made six changes from the 3-1 league defeat to Coventry on Saturday but were left facing up to another loss.

The hosts looked to threaten early on when Thomas Meunier played a low ball into Isidor and the striker’s shot was held by Dominik Kotarski.

Despite a couple of long-distance efforts from Dinamo, Sunderland retained control and came close again when Granit Xhaka threaded a pass to Chris Rigg on the right, allowing the midfielder to whip in a cross for Jules Ahoka, but his header was caught by Kotarski.

Nilson Angulo’s cross was nodded wide by Isidor, while Dinamo tested the hosts for the first time when Beljo’s strike was blocked by Xhaka.

And the visitors struck from the resulting corner when Xhaka’s flicked clearance bounced to an unmarked Stojkovic, who brought the ball down on his chest and smashed home 22 minutes in.

Dinamo nearly struck again moments later, but Meunier made an excellent goal-line stop from Mislav Orsic’s effort.

The visitors were nearly caught out when Meunier’s cross bounced awkwardly and came back off a post before a neat exchange of passes resulted in Isidor having a tame effort held.

Dinamo continued to pose problems, with Robin Roefs making a low save from Stojkovic and the Croatian side doubled their lead in the 39th minute.

Danso’s clearance fell to Stojkovic and his chipped pass was easily tapped home by Beljo to take his Europa League tally to four goals.

Le Bris made a quadruple change at half-time and Isidor soon had the ball in the net from Xhaka’s free-kick, but a VAR check confirmed the effort was offside.

Trai Hume’s effort was blocked and Sunderland threatened again when Kotarski’s save from a Reinildo header fell to Danso, who clipped the bar.

A poor clearance allowed Dinamo to break, but the move resulted in Stojkovic blasting wide.

Brobbey had an attempt smothered by Kotarski and the striker flicked a header behind from Enzo Le Fee’s free-kick.

Sunderland continued to dominate possession but were unable to get shots away as the visitors comfortably saw out victory.