Sunderland 0-2 Dinamo Zagreb: Black Cats frustrated at home as Stojkovic & Beljo net

The pressure ramped up even more on Regis Le Bris as Sunderland were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League to continue the Black Cats' torrid run of form.

Match Report 

Before the game, Le Bris said Sunderland have been too exposed and leaky in defence - but his team were not listening as they went in 2-0 down at half-time in front of an angry Stadium of Light.

Poor marking from a corner allowed Luka Stojkovic to volley in the first goal - then the Dinamo midfielder set up Dion Beljo with a delightful chipped pass, with his deft finish equally sweet, although the red and white defenders were all at sea in the move.

At the other end of the pitch, Sunderland were a little more unfortunate. They struck the woodwork in both halves through defenders Thomas Meunier and Kevin Danso. Heroic defending from Dinamo also denied Malick Fofana and Trai Hume in the same move with last-ditch blocks.

Not even a quadruple half-time substitution by head coach Le Bris and the introduction of Brian Brobbey later in the second half could inspire a comeback.

But for Le Bris, he is now facing a run of just one win across six games in all competitions. Bottom of the Premier League, now Sunderland's league form is drifting into Europe.

With Sunderland booed off at half and full-time, and fans rushing for the exits long before the full-time whistle, how much credit in the bank does the Frenchman still have?

Match Events

0' The match is about to start!

3' Highlight from Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

11' Match Event for Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

20' Match Event for Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

22' GOAL! Sunderland 0-1 Dinamo Zagreb (Luka Stojkovic)

24' Highlight from Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

30' Match Event for Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

31' Match Event for Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

39' GOAL! Sunderland 0-2 Dinamo Zagreb (Dion Beljo)

47' Match Event for Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

58' Highlight from Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

68' Match Event for Sunderland vs Dinamo Zagreb

Line-ups

Sunderland XI: Meunier, Xhaka, Omar Alderete, Danso, Wilson Isidor, Robin Roefs, Malick Fofana, Nilson Angulo, Chris Rigg, Dayann Méthalie, Jules Ahoka

Subs: Moore, Mandava, Luke O'Nien, Enzo Le Fée, Brian Brobbey, Trai Hume, Noah Sadiki, Chemsdine Talbi, Timur Tuterov, Jenson Jones, Jack Whittaker, Tom Proctor

Dinamo Zagreb XI: Mislav Orsic, Josip Misic, Kotarski, Bruno Goda, Dion Beljo, Niko Galesic, Mateo Lisica, Moris Valincic, Luka Stojkovic, Lukas Kacavenda, Dominguez

Subs: Danijel Zagorac, Miha Zajc, Ivan Filipovic, Smail Prevljak, Stjepan Radeljic, Luka Ivanušec, Arbër Hoxha, Dani Rodríguez, Matteo Pérez Vinlöf, Iker Almena, Sven Sunta, Noa Mikic