Sunderland’s winning start in the Europa League came to an end following a 1-1 draw away to Lech Poznan, while Juventus dropped their first points of the campaign after a 2-2 draw with Rennes. The results leave both sides navigating tight European group matches alongside Bayer Leverkusen, who climbed to the top of the table.
Sunderland’s Unbeaten Run Continues in Poland
Sunderland maintained their unbeaten record in Europe this season but saw their winning streak halted after back-to-back victories over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense. Régis Le Bris made six changes from the weekend Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, handing a first start of the season to Habib Diarra following his return from injury.
The visitors opened the scoring in the second minute when Nilson Angulo intercepted a loose pass from Mateusz Lis and crossed for Timur Tutierov to head home from the center of the box for his first goal for the club. Lech Poznan responded with missed chances from Pablo Rodríguez and Daniel Håkans before Sunderland pressed to extend their lead.
Granit Xhaka saw a shot parried by Lis, Malick Fofana hit the post from the rebound, and Dayann Méthalie was denied at the near post. After the break, Fofana and Diarra both fired off target, and Lis tipped a powerful effort from Nordi Mukiele over the bar.
Lech equalized in the 70th minute through substitute Leo Bengtsson, who fired a low shot into the bottom corner after a corner kick bounced into his path. Goalkeeper Robin Roefs subsequently made a vital point-blank save to deny Michal Gurgul, while late efforts from Fofana and substitute Chris Rigg failed to find a winner.
Juventus Denied Late Winner Against Rennes
Juventus also dropped points in a 2-2 home draw against Rennes, a result that spared Luciano Spalletti’s side a second consecutive defeat following a weekend loss to Lazio in Serie A. Zeki Celik put the Italian hosts ahead in the fifth minute, but Rennes drew level 10 minutes later when Musa Al-Taamari scored from close range.
The French visitors took the lead two minutes before halftime through a Boulaye Dia penalty. Juventus equalized in the 67th minute when Nick Woltemade converted a penalty kick. Woltemade went close to adding another as the pressure mounted, and Jhon Lucumí appeared to score a late winner in the 88th minute, but the goal was ruled out following a VAR review for offside.
Leverkusen Moves to the Top
Bayer Leverkusen moved to the summit of the standings with nine points after securing a 2-0 victory away to OFI Crete. Jonas Hofmann, drafted into the starting lineup following an injury to Martin Terrier, scored twice in the space of three minutes. Leverkusen currently lead Ferencvaros on goal difference after the Hungarian side defeated Torreense 4-1.
This story will be updated
Source: Football | The Guardian
