CRIMEAN CANNONBALL Timur Tutierov’s dream night was thwarted as Lech Poznan halted Sunderland’s impressive start in the Europa League.

The Ukrainian forward’s goal after just 78 SECONDS seemed to set the stage for a third consecutive win in the tournament.

However, substitute Leo Bengtsson stepped up for the Polish side, ensuring a 1-1 draw in an exhilarating match.

Tutierov, 21, struggled to make an impact last season while on loan at Exeter City, where he could not prevent their relegation from League One.

Fast forward five months, and Tutierov became the toast of Wearside after scoring to complete a fairytale week at the challenging Enea Stadion.

He was only given his first start a week ago in the 2-1 victory over Torreense and followed it up with his Premier League debut on Sunday at Bournemouth.

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With his first goal secured, he may become a crucial asset for Regis Le Bris as the Black Cats aim to rectify their disappointing domestic performance against Leeds this weekend.

Le Bris remarked: “He demonstrated tonight that he’s a solid striker and a diligent worker.

“He had a fantastic pre-season, and he’s a great teammate, well-connected with the group.

“He excels in his runs behind the defense and times his pressing well. He looked a bit tired towards the end but managed to seize the chance and scored, which is fantastic for a striker.”

Considering the injury challenges faced by Brian Brobbey and Wilson Isidor, the Bakhchysarai-born forward’s first goal for the club arrived at the perfect moment.

Just a minute in, a short pass from goalkeeper Mateusz Lis to Michal Gurgul was intercepted by Nilson Angulo. The winger capitalized and delivered an ideal cross from the right, allowing Tutierov to power in a header.

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The intense start foreshadowed the action that followed. Moments later, the visitors credited Robin Roefs for thwarting Poznan’s quick response.

The Dutch goalkeeper made a crucial save against Patrick Walemark before executing an even more impressive stop to deflect Antoni Kozubal’s follow-up header.

Patrick Walemark nearly added another, hitting the side-netting, while Le Bris exhaled again as Daniel Hakans shot wide after going clear on goal.

Yet the match was not entirely one-sided. Malick Fofana came close to doubling Sunderland’s lead, only for his fierce shot to strike the inside of the post.

Right-back Nordi Mukiele, who complained of the squad’s “arrogance” after the disappointing defeat at Bournemouth, attempted two shots—first into the side-netting and then having an effort tipped over by Lis.

Poznan began building momentum in search of an equalizer, but Luis Palma had their fervent supporters ducking for cover when he wildly missed a shot at the back post.

Sunderland failed to clear the danger from a corner, allowing Bengtsson to find the ball just inside the box. The substitute struck a low shot through the crowded six-yard area, beating Roefs at his near post.

Finally, with 20 minutes remaining, the home fans had something to cheer about. The Black Cats failed once more to clear from a corner, and Bengtsson took advantage, drilling the ball through a maze of bodies past Roefs.

Another outstanding double save from Roefs kept Walemark’s point-blank shot and Michal Gurgul’s rebound out as both teams sought a winner.

Yet it was Chris Rigg who nearly clinched it late on, with a curling 25-yard effort just skimming over the bar.

Despite not being able to hold on against a previously winless Poznan, Le Bris was pleased to see his players respond after the lackluster display against Bournemouth.

He commented: “Losing a few games in the Premier League doesn’t indicate that the players or the team are weak; that’s not true. It’s about fine details, and sometimes confidence, and these matches are valuable for that.

“We anticipated this atmosphere and the style of play from our opponent. They are a commendable team. Following our first goal, they displayed their quality in mounting pressure and breaking through our setup when we were exposed. They created chances as well. After that, we generated opportunities and deserved a second goal, but didn’t convert, and in this environment, momentum can shift quickly, as occurred.

“We opened the game with seven players under 23, so they need to go through these intense experiences against quality teams to enhance their skills.”