Europa League: Sunderland win their first European match in 53 years against AZ Alkmaar

16.09.26 FT Europa League

Sunderland

1

:

AZ Alkmaar

0

Sunderland made a successful return to the European stage. In their first continental match for 53 years, the English club defeated AZ Alkmaar (1-0) on Wednesday evening at the Stadium of Light on the opening matchday of the Europa League.

This victory allows the Black Cats to begin their campaign with three points. After being held by AZ for a long time, Sunderland eventually made the difference in the second half before holding on to their advantage until the final whistle.

Le Fée gives Sunderland the win

Enzo Le Fée scored the only goal of the match in the 66th minute. The French midfielder converted a penalty to put Sunderland ahead, after the team had struggled to make their chances count up to that point.

AZ then looked for an equaliser. The Dutch side increased the pressure in the closing minutes, but Sunderland held firm and preserved their advantage until the end of the match.

53 years after their last European campaign

This evening marked Sunderland’s return to European competition after more than half a century. The English club had not played a continental match since the 1973-1974 season, when they took part in the Cup Winners’ Cup after winning the FA Cup in 1973.

Sunderland had then eliminated Vasas Budapest in the first round. In the round of 16, the English club faced Sporting CP. After a 2-1 home victory in the first leg, Sunderland lost 2-0 in Portugal and were eliminated on aggregate.

Fifty-three years later, the Black Cats have therefore returned to Europe with a victory. Enzo Le Fée’s converted penalty gave Sunderland three points in their Europa League opener and brought an end to a long wait on the continental stage.

Nouya M'toama

Editorfr, en

Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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