A thrilling opening saw the Black Cats go in front only two minutes in through Timur Tutierov, who was making just his third competitive start since arriving at Sunderland’s academy in 2023.

The visitors had opportunities to extend their lead when Malick Fofana hit the post and Nordi Mukiele forced a strong save from Mateusz Liz, but Lech responded in the 70th minute through substitute Leo Bengtsson’s low strike.

A point keeps Sunderland unbeaten in Europe this season but ends their winning start, which saw them claim back-to-back victories over AZ Alkmaar and Torreense.

Regis Le Bris made six changes from Sunday’s Premier League defeat to Bournemouth, including a first start of the season for Habib Diarra following his return from injury, while hosts Lech made one switch from their weekend Ekstraklasa win over Korona Kielce.

The Black Cats took the lead in the second minute when Nilson Angulo pounced on a tame pass from Lech goalkeeper Lis and the winger crossed into Tutierov in the middle of the box to comfortably nod home for his first Sunderland goal.

Robin Roefs was called into action at the opposite end with a double save to deny Patrik Walemark and palm away Antoni Kozubal’s header before Diarra charged up the pitch and fired into the side of goal.

A pulsating opening continued when a neat Lech move resulted in Walemark slicing wide and Diarra’s low effort was collected by Lis.

The hosts had two good chances to level when Pablo Rodriguez blasted just past the post and Daniel Hakans was played through in a one-on-one with Roefs but flicked his shot wide.

Sunderland enjoyed a good spell of possession which saw skipper Granit Xhaka have a strike parried away by Lis and the rebound fell to Fofana, who rattled the woodwork. Moments later Dayann Methalie was denied at the near post by Lis as the visitors pushed for a second goal.

Early in the second half, Fofana cut into the box but could only send his effort over and Lech looked to strike when Walemark scuffed a shot wide following a good solo run.

Diarra fired wide for the Black Cats and Angulo’s low strike was scooped up by Lis, who moments later made a great save to tip Mukiele’s shot over the bar.

Bengtsson looked to make an instant impact from the bench when his effort from Walemark’s cross was sent wide.

However, the Lech midfielder made no mistake when next presented with an opportunity as a corner delivery rebounded towards him just inside the area and he fired into the bottom corner with 20 minutes to play.

Lech almost took the lead moments later when Roefs made a brilliant point-blank stop from Michal Gurgal.

Fofana skewed an effort wide as Sunderland looked to restore their advantage and substitute Chris Rigg’s powerful shot landed on the roof of the net, but the spoils were shared.