Sunderland mark European return after 53 years with 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland enjoyed a historic night at the Stadium of Light with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League fixture. A 66th-minute penalty from Enzo Le Fee was enough for the Black Cats to win a European match for the first time in 53 years.

Enzo Le Fee settles Sunderland's European return from the spot

The French midfielder produced a decisive performance in a game where Regis Le Bris's side looked the more ambitious team for most of the first half. Le Fee was a constant threat in dangerous areas and earned his reward by forcing a penalty that he converted with a low shot into the bottom right corner.

Sunderland pile pressure on AZ during a dominant first half

Sunderland had an early scare when a mistake from Le Fee allowed Kees Smit to set up Mexx Meerdink, whose effort was pushed behind by Robin Roefs. Once past that shaky opening, the home side took control and created several clear chances. Kevin Danso forced a save from distance, Omar Alderete headed wide and Le Fee struck the post after a low pass from Wilson Isidor.

AZ defended deep and relied on goalkeeper Jari De Busser to keep them in the game. Trai Hume caused problems with his persistent runs down the right, delivering crosses that went unconverted as the Dutch side held firm.

A tighter second half and a penalty that changed the game

AZ improved after the break and came close through Smit, who worked his way into the box before rolling an effort narrowly wide. Sunderland absorbed the pressure and hit back with chances from Isidor and Hume before taking the lead.

The decisive moment came when substitute Weslley Patati brought down Le Fee inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot and the Frenchman stepped up to send the keeper the wrong way with a composed finish.

What the Europa League opener showed about Sunderland and AZ Alkmaar

Le Bris made four changes from the Premier League defeat to Arsenal, bringing Omar Alderete, Trai Hume, Malick Fofana and Wilson Isidor into the starting eleven. AZ made two switches from their previous Eredivisie match, with Smit and Ayoub Oufkir coming in.

The result gives Sunderland three points and a platform to build on in the competition. The home supporters were able to celebrate a long-awaited return to continental action, and the winning goal from Le Fee sparked scenes of relief and joy.

What is at stake for Sunderland in their next Europa League game

Sunderland will travel to Portugal to face Torreense in their next European outing. Picking up points on the road will be vital if they want to establish themselves in the table and push to progress from the first phase. The defensive resilience shown in the opener should serve them well.

AZ, meanwhile, will look to sharpen their finishing when they return to domestic action. The visitors had enough late opportunities to change the result, with chances for Valdemar Andreasen, Meerdink and Patati all going begging.

Frequently asked questions about Sunderland's return to Europe