Sunderland Edge AZ Alkmaar as Enzo Le Fee Penalty Ends European Wait

Sunderland marked their first European fixture in 53 years with a 1-0 Europa League win over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light, where Enzo Le Fee’s second-half penalty settled an intense opening-night contest.

Key takeaways

• Le Fee converted from the spot in the 66th minute after Weslley Patati fouled him in the AZ area.
• Sunderland had controlled much of the first half, with Kevin Danso denied and Le Fee striking the post.
• Robin Roefs made significant saves against Ro-Zangelo Daal and Mexx Meerdink to protect the clean sheet.
• AZ, unbeaten before travelling to Wearside, grew into the match after the interval but missed key late openings.
• The result ended Sunderland’s wait for European action, their previous appearance having come in 1973.

Le Fee provides the breakthrough

Regis Le Bris’ side began with purpose in front of a raucous home support and were the stronger team before the interval. Danso tested the AZ goalkeeper with a dipping attempt that was tipped over, while Le Fee came closest to opening the scoring when he met Wilson Isidor’s turn and delivery only to see his effort rebound from the post.

AZ found more control after half-time, moving through Sunderland’s pressure more cleanly and beginning to dictate possession. Kees Smit pulled a left-footed effort wide as the Dutch side threatened to turn the momentum in their favour.

Instead, Sunderland struck during a rapid break in the 66th minute. Noah Sadiki drove forward before releasing Le Fee, who was brought down by AZ substitute Patati. Le Fee assumed responsibility from 12 yards and placed his penalty low into the corner, giving the hosts the lead their earlier work had merited.

Roefs holds firm in a demanding finish

The visitors responded strongly and Sunderland required their goalkeeper to preserve the advantage. Roefs had already stopped Daal after an early defensive error, and he produced another crucial intervention late on when Meerdink was presented with a chance following two blocked attempts from Valdemar Byskov.

AZ continued to press in the closing stages, but Patati sent a major opportunity over with five minutes left. Sunderland eventually regained attacking momentum as their opponents tired, although Nilson Angulo could not convert from close range after a forceful run by Brian Brobbey in stoppage time.

Those misses did not alter the outcome. Sunderland saw out the final moments to begin their long-awaited Europa League campaign with a landmark victory and a clean sheet in front of their home crowd.