Enzo Le Fee stepped up to convert a penalty, giving Sunderland a 1-0 triumph over AZ Alkmaar as they launched their Europa League journey at the Stadium of Light. This fixture marked the Black Cats' first appearance in European competition in more than half a century – 53 years to be exact – and they made an immediate impression with a commanding display in the opening half. However, the Dutch side began to apply pressure after the interval, with Kees Smit narrowly missing a chance that could have levelled the score. The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute when Le Fee calmly slotted the spot‑kick, sending goalkeeper De Busser the wrong way after being brought down in the box.
The goal secured Sunderland's maiden Europa League win and set the tone for what promises to be an exciting continental campaign. Their next European assignment is scheduled for next month when they travel to face Portuguese side Torreense.
Manager Regis Le Bris made four alterations to the lineup that suffered a defeat to Arsenal a few days earlier. New starters Omar Alderete, Trai Hume, Malick Fofana and Wilson Isidor all took the field, while AZ Alkmaar also tweaked their side, introducing Smit and Ayoub Oufkir in place of two players from their previous Eredivisie match. Key moments of the game were captured in a minute‑by‑minute recap: - 7': A spectacular leg‑save from Roefs denied AZ an early opener. - 13': Le Fee unleashed a powerful volley that tested De Busser, with Isidor hovering inches from a possible rebound touch.
- 15': A curling long‑range effort from Danso was blocked at full stretch by De Busser. - 25': Le Fee’s shot struck the right‑hand post, leaving De Busser with no chance to intervene. - 50': Smit evaded his marker with a dazzling turn, then fired a low shot that skimmed past the far post.
- 66': Le Fee calmly converted the penalty, sending De Busser the wrong way after being tripped in the box. - 81': Roefs produced a trio of close‑range blocks, the final one denying a bewildered Meerdink. - 86': Pinto Batista missed a six‑yard chance after Hornkamp’s elegant back‑heel set‑up.
- 90': Brobbey crossed into the six‑yard area, Angulo’s close‑range effort was cleared off the line, and a subsequent deflection resulted in a corner. After the final whistle, Le Bris praised his side’s performance: "They are a good team, I think we started well. In the first half we imposed our ideas, they were mobile, especially with the high press, but we gradually imposed our own press, created chances – crosses, shots, second balls – and kept the pressure on. We didn’t score in the first half, but we broke the deadlock in the second and the game opened up from there.
They created chances because they are really good on the ball. They played with freedom, took more risks and we had our chances in the second half. Finally, it’s three points.
It was an important night for us, for the club, for the fans, and in the end it’s a good win." He continued, reflecting on past memorable fixtures: "I will say the game against Coventry two years ago was really good, the comeback against Newcastle in the derby was special – this one is equally important. We trust Enzo; he’s a good player. You can make mistakes because it’s the game.
If you step up you can succeed, you can fail; the quality of a player is to react, stay resilient, and show up again. Enzo embodies that.
He struggled a bit at the beginning, but that shows you’re always on the edge. When he’s in a good place – and he still has room for improvement – he’s a fantastic player.
He can link play, create, score, and defend well with the squad." AZ Alkmaar’s manager Leeroy Echteld offered his perspective: "For us, it’s a very good experience to play in these circumstances. I’m also very happy with my team because they weren’t impressed at the end. We have very young players, but they can compete against a mature side like Sunderland with good players and crowd support.
It makes me proud that we showed we can play. If we hadn’t conceded the penalty we would have had a big chance to win this game." The match also featured a promotional element, inviting fans to join the "Super 6" competition for a chance to win £1 million, with free entry available. Overall, Sunderland’s inaugural European outing combined disciplined defending, opportunistic attacking, and a crucial penalty conversion to secure a historic win. The team’s ability to adapt tactically, maintain composure under pressure, and capitalize on set‑piece opportunities will be vital as they progress through the group stage and prepare for the upcoming away fixture against Torreense.
The victory not only adds three points but also builds confidence and momentum for a campaign that could see the Black Cats re‑establish themselves on the continental stage after a long absence.