Sunderland marked their first appearance in European competition in 53 years by beating AZ Alkmaar in their Europa League group stage opener at the Stadium of Light. Enzo Le Fee converted a penalty for the only goal, giving Regis le Bris’ team a night to remember.
The Black Cats delivered a strong performance in front of a lively home support and earned their first continental win since 1973. AZ improved after the interval and carved out several chances, but Sunderland stayed resilient and finished the contest on the front foot.
Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar contest Europa League opener
Sunderland dictated play for much of the opening period and carved out the clearer opportunities. Le Fee went closest to breaking the deadlock when his strike hit the post, while Kevin Danso forced a save with a dipping effort that was tipped over the bar.
The visitors also carried a threat early on after Sunderland gave the ball away while trying to build from the back. Ro-Zangelo Daal was played in by Kees Smit, but goalkeeper Robin Roefs produced a crucial stop to keep the game level.
With Sunderland pressing with intensity and pushing AZ deep, the half-time whistle came at a good time for the Dutch side. The visitors came out with more purpose after the break and started to display the attacking quality that had been missing in the first half.
Smit had an opportunity to score after some neat footwork inside the box, but his attempt drifted wide as both sides continued to hunt for the opening goal.
Enzo Le Fee clinches Sunderland win
The key moment came in the 66th minute when Noah Sadiki drove forward on the counter and picked out Le Fee inside the area. Substitute Weslley Patati brought the French midfielder down, and the referee pointed to the spot.
Le Fee kept his cool and slotted the penalty into the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead. The midfielder’s impact went beyond the goal, as he ran relentlessly without the ball and was central to Sunderland’s attacking moves.
The 26-year-old repeatedly drifted into dangerous positions and connected play with clever passes and smart movement. His display made him the standout performer on a memorable evening for the club.
Sunderland manager Le Bris praised his players after the final whistle, pointing to their unity and resilience following a tough run of fixtures that included a recent home match against Arsenal.
Sunderland holds off AZ Alkmaar pressure
AZ pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages and went close on more than one occasion. Valdemar Byskov had two attempts blocked during a scramble in the box before Roefs made another important save to keep out Mexx Meerdink.
Patati then wasted a clear chance by shooting over the bar with five minutes left. Sunderland, however, ended the game strongly and also passed up opportunities to add to their lead.
Nilson Angulo failed to convert from close range after a fine run by Brian Brobbey, but the miss mattered little once the final whistle blew.
The result gave Sunderland their first European victory since 1973 and created a special night for supporters witnessing European football at the Stadium of Light for the first time.
Europa League return thrills Sunderland fans
Sunderland’s previous appearance in a major European competition came in the 1973-74 Cup Winners’ Cup, when they were knocked out by Sporting. That long absence made the return to Europe particularly meaningful for the home crowd.
Trai Hume called the experience extraordinary and praised the team’s players, staff, and supporters. The defender said Sunderland fully deserved the occasion and expressed belief that the club could keep improving this season.
As the fans celebrated at full-time, the win became another significant chapter in Sunderland’s history. Le Fee’s goal ensured that the club’s long-awaited return to European competition ended with a result worth remembering.