Sunderland Beat AZ Alkmaar in Europa League Return After 53 Years

Sunderland marked their return to European football after 53 years with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in a memorable Europa League opener at the Stadium of Light.

Enzo Le Fee scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 66th minute after being brought down at the end of a swift counter-attack.

The French midfielder kept his composure to roll the spot-kick into the bottom corner, sending the home supporters into celebration.

Sunderland had dominated much of the first half but were unable to make their chances count. Le Fee came closest to opening the scoring when his side-footed effort struck the post.

AZ had threatened early when Ro-Zangelo Daal was played through on goal by Kees Smit following a mistake by Sunderland while attempting to play out from the back. However, Robin Roefs produced an important save to keep the visitors out.

From there, Sunderland took control, with Kevin Danso forcing Roefs’ counterpart into action with a swerving effort that was pushed over the bar.

Wilson Isidor then created an opportunity for Le Fee with a clever turn and cross, but the midfielder’s effort came back off the upright.

AZ improved considerably after the interval and began to find more space as Sunderland’s pressing intensity dropped.

Smit had a good opportunity to put the Dutch side ahead after showing impressive footwork inside the area, but he dragged his left-footed shot wide.

Sunderland eventually broke the deadlock when Noah Sadiki drove forward on the counter and found Le Fee, who was brought down inside the box by substitute Weslley Patati.

Le Fee made no mistake from the spot as Sunderland took a 1-0 lead.

AZ pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, with the hosts forced to defend deep.

Valdemar Byskov saw two efforts blocked as the ball ricocheted around the Sunderland penalty area, before Roefs produced another crucial save to deny Mexx Meerdink.

Patati then wasted another excellent opportunity when he fired over with five minutes remaining.

Sunderland finished strongly and almost doubled their advantage late on, but Nilson Angulo could only wonder how he failed to score from five yards after Brian Brobbey’s driving run created the opening.

The victory was Sunderland’s first in European competition since 1973 and gave Regis le Bris’ side a memorable start to their Europa League campaign.