Sunderland mark Europa League return with gritty win over AZ
Enzo Le Fée wrote his name into Sunderland folklore as the Black Cats celebrated their first European outing in 53 years with a hard-fought 1–0 UEFA Europa League victory over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light.
A sold-out Stadium of Light crackled with anticipation as fireworks and a spectacular light show ushered in Sunderland’s long-awaited continental return. Yet after more than half a century away from European football, the home supporters had to wait patiently for their side to find its rhythm.
Match highlight
The hosts were nearly punished early on when a misplaced pass from Enzo Le Fée handed AZ possession deep inside Sunderland’s half. Ro-Zangelo Daal raced through on goal, but goalkeeper Robin Roefs was quick off his line to smother the danger.
Sunderland gradually began to take control. Kevin Danso tested AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser with a swerving effort from distance, forcing the Belgian into a sharp save.
The Black Cats then carved out the clearest chance of the first half. Wilson Isidor burst down the right and cut the ball back for Le Fée, whose strike beat De Busser but crashed against the post and away to safety.
The contest burst into life again after the restart. Kees Smit should have done better when he fired wide from a promising position in the Sunderland area. Within seconds, the hosts countered, with Isidor dragging an effort wide after a delightful Le Fée pass.
Le Fée soon turned creator into match-winner. Weslley Patati lunged in desperately inside the AZ penalty area and brought down the French midfielder. Le Fée stepped up and coolly converted the spot-kick to give Sunderland the lead.
For all of Le Fée’s attacking quality, Sunderland’s victory was ultimately secured by their resilience at the back during a frantic final 10 minutes. In a desperate scramble inside the box, Danso and Dan Ballard produced vital blocks before Roefs denied Mexx Meerdink from close range.
That proved to be AZ’s final meaningful opening. Régis Le Bris’ side saw out the closing stages with discipline and determination, sealing a historic European night on Wearside.
