Overview
- Sunderland beat AZ Alkmaar 1-0 at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday thanks to Enzo Le Fée’s 66th‑minute penalty.
- The win ended the club’s 53‑year wait for a major European match and was celebrated by a sold‑out, vocal home crowd.
- Sunderland dominated the first half—registering 20 shots and an estimated 3.0 xG with 13 attempts before the break—but AZ improved after half‑time and forced late saves from goalkeeper Robin Roefs.
- Manager Régis Le Bris praised the players and fans and said squad rotation will be essential as Sunderland prepare for a Premier League trip to Manchester City and their next Europa League match away to Torreense.
- The result gives Sunderland three early group points and a morale boost while underlining finishing and defensive resilience as priorities if they are to compete across domestic and European fixtures.