UEFA Europa League,
League stage – 4
Sunderland
SUN
Dinamo Zagreb
ZAG
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place
- Stadium of Light
-
referee
- Andrea Colombo
Luka Stojkovic 22′
Dion Drena Beljo 39′
Sunderland suffered his first defeat of the Europa League campaign as Dinamo Zagreb secured an impressive 2-0 win at the Stadium of Light.
First-half goals from Luka Stojkovic and Dion Beljo put the Croatian visitors in control, leaving Regis Le Bris’ side with plenty to do and an improved performance after the break.
The Black Cats had come into the contest unbeaten in their first three European matches but struggled to deal with Dinamo’s attacking threat during a disappointing first half.
The visitors took the lead in the 22nd minute when Sunderland failed to clear a corner.
Granit Xhaka’s header fell to Stojkovic on the edge of the penalty area, and the midfielder controlled the ball with his chest before firing a superb volley into the net.
Dinamo almost doubled their lead moments later but Thomas Meunier produced a crucial goal-line clearance to keep Sunderland in the game.
However, the visitors added a second in the 39th minute after another poor defensive sequence from the home team.
Sunderland were unable to clear their lines as Dinamo went forward, allowing Stojkovic to lift a clever pass past Beljo.
The UEFA Europa League table
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position 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 : Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
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position 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 : Promotion – Europa League (Play Off: Round of 16)
The striker timed his move perfectly before finishing to leave the home side two goals down at the break.
Sunderland improved after the break and began to apply more pressure as they looked for a route back into the contest.
Wilson Isidor thought he had given the Black Cats hope when he found the net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
Despite their improvements, Sunderland could not find a breakthrough against a disciplined Dynamo side.
Sunderland
Dinamo Zagreb
