Sunderland successfully began their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light. The match was decided by a single goal from the penalty spot, scored by Enzo Le Fee.

While the result provides Sunderland with an early advantage in the group stage, the match was characterized by a tight defensive battle. Both teams struggled to create significant scoring opportunities from open play, leading to a game defined by tactical discipline and the decisive penalty call.

This fixture marks a significant return to European competition for Sunderland. AZ Alkmaar, a regular participant in European tournaments, faced difficulties breaking down the Sunderland defense throughout the ninety minutes. The win places Sunderland in a positive position as they look ahead to their next fixtures in the competition. The match concluded without any major disciplinary issues, though the intensity remained high until the final whistle.