Sunderland v Dinamo Zagreb: Europa League league-phase tie at Stadium of Light on Thursday
Sunderland will host Dinamo Zagreb at the Stadium of Light on Thursday in a UEFA Europa League 2026-27 league-phase match. The encounter comes as Sunderland attempt to preserve their unbeaten run in the competition after a 1-1 draw at Lech Poznan ended their perfect start.
Regis Le Bris’ side opened their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar and followed that with a 2-1 victory against Torreense before the 1-1 draw at Lech Poznan. Those results leave Sunderland ninth in the league-phase table with seven points from three games. The match is part of the group-stage schedule for the tournament.
Domestically Sunderland sit at the foot of the Premier League with five points from nine matches. They have claimed only one victory in nine league outings. Their most recent domestic fixture was a 3-1 defeat to newly promoted Coventry City.
Dinamo Zagreb’s latest Croatian Football League result was a 1-0 loss to NK Rudes. The visitors occupy second place in the domestic table with 22 points from 11 matches. That league position reflects their form in the Croatian competition as they travel to England.
In European competition, Dinamo have won just one of their three Europa League group matches, a 1-0 victory over Anderlecht. That result came after a goalless draw with Hapoel Beer Sheva. Their most recent continental outing ended in a 4-2 defeat to NEC Nijmegen.
Brian Brobbey is identified as Sunderland’s leading attacking threat. The Dutch striker has scored three goals in the Premier League. He has not scored in his last two league matches.
Dion Beljo, 24 years old, has scored 12 league goals for Dinamo Zagreb and has set up five more. He has netted three times in his last two Europa League matches, including twice against NEC Nijmegen.
The match is scheduled for Thursday night at the Stadium of Light as part of the UEFA Europa League 2026-27 league phase. Sunderland enter the game with seven points from three group matches, while Dinamo have one win in their three UEL games.
