Dinamo Zagreb beat Sunderland 2-0 in Europa League

Sunderland lost 2-0 at home to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League on Thursday, November 5, 2026, suffering their first defeat in the competition this season. Dinamo scored twice before half-time at the Stadium of Light; the result left Sunderland with one win in six matches across all competitions, Sky Sports reported.

How Dinamo Zagreb took control before half-time

Luka Stojkovic opened the scoring in the 23rd minute, volleying in after Sunderland failed to deal with a corner, Sky Sports reported. Dinamo nearly extended its lead when Milan Orsic’s effort was cleared off the line by Thomas Meunier. Meunier then came close to an equaliser at the other end: his cross travelled onto the post and away.

Sunderland’s second-half response

Manager Régis Le Bris made four changes at half-time. Wilson Isidor headed in soon after the restart, but VAR ruled the goal out for offside. Sunderland threatened again: Sky Sports reported that the goalkeeper saved Reinildo’s header before Danso struck the crossbar on the rebound. Substitute Brian Brobbey was also denied from close range after Granit Xhaka played him in.

Sunderland had more of the ball after the break but struggled to create further notable attacks, the Sunderland Echo’s Phil Smith wrote. Hayters described the hosts as more spirited in the second half, though their early deficit proved decisive. Both accounts record that Sunderland did not turn the response into a goal; the Echo judged Dinamo deserved the win.

Chelsea visit Sunderland on Sunday

Before the match, Le Bris had said Sunderland were too exposed and “leaky” in defence, Sky Sports reported. The team now face Chelsea at the Stadium of Light on Sunday. The Sunderland Echo said the manner of the defeat could renew discussion about Le Bris, an assessment by the newspaper; it did not report a club decision on his position.