Sunderland were jeered by the Stadium of Light crowd as their worrying form continued with defeat by Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.

Struggling at the bottom of the Premier League, a first European loss of the campaign for the Black Cats will only increase pressure on head coach Regis le Bris.

Luka Stojkovic volleyed Dinamo in front in the 22nd minute and there were loud boos from the home fans when in-form striker Dion Beljo doubled the lead 17 minutes later, neatly lifting the ball past Robin Roefs.

The Sunderland supporters voiced their displeasure again at half-time.

Le Bris made a quadruple substitution for the start of the second half, leading to a much-improved performance, but there was no way back for the hosts and more booing rang out at full-time.

Despite the loss on Thursday, their two wins to start the competition mean Sunderland are still reasonably well placed to advance. Like Dinamo, they sit outside the top eight on goal difference halfway through the league phase.

More concerning is their Premier League form, with their only win coming back in August. This latest setback makes Sunday's home game against Chelsea all the more significant, particularly for Le Bris.

The first real chance went to Sunderland with Jules Ahoka timing his run into the box to meet Chris Rigg's cross but directing a header straight at the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Beljo's shot on the turn was heading in before a block from Granit Xhaka deflected it behind.

Sunderland's relief was short-lived as Xhaka could only glance the resulting corner to Stojkovic, who controlled on his chest before thumping home the volley from 15 yards.

Two minutes later, Stojkovic and Beljo combined to set up Mislav Orsic, who skipped past Roefs but had his shot cleared off the line by Thomas Meunier.

Meunier's miscued cross almost crept in for a Sunderland leveller but bounced back off the far post, and a bad night quickly got worse.

The Stojkovic and Beljo link-up brought the second goal for the slick visitors, with the former pouncing on Kevin Danso's poor clearance and chipping a ball through to Beljo, who provided the delicate finish.

Anger was palpable among the home fans and Le Bris' changes at the break suggested he shared their frustration.

Sunderland thought they had the perfect start to the second half when Wilson Isidor headed in a Xhaka free-kick just 71 seconds after the restart, but replays showed he was offside and the goal did not stand.

Chances for Trai Hume, Danso and Brian Brobbey came and went as hopes of a comeback faded.

The ferocity of the booing seemed to subside at full-time, whether as a result of the team's second-half effort or the fact many fans had already left.

Regardless, another poor result leaves Sunderland team devoid of confidence, still seeking the match, or even the moment, that might breathe life into their ailing campaign.