Photo via Sky Sports

Sunderland begin European adventure with AZ Alkmaar win

Sunderland marked their first continental fixture in 53 years with a 1-0 Europa League triumph over AZ Alkmaar. Following a commanding opening half at the Stadium of Light, the decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute when Enzo Le Fee converted a penalty kick he won himself after being fouled in the penalty area.

Manager Regis Le Bris, who made four adjustments to his starting squad following a league loss to Arsenal by introducing Omar Alderete, Trai Hume, Malick Fofana, and Wilson Isidor, guided the hosts through late tension to secure the victory.

The visitors, having brought Kees Smit and Ayoub Oufkir into their lineup, pushed hard during the second half as Smit narrowly missed the target and Sunderland goalkeeper Roefs produced critical interventions, including a sequence of three quick saves to deny Meerdink. Additional late opportunities saw Alkmaar's Pinto Batista miss over the bar and Angulo denied by a goal-line clearance.

Sunderland's European campaign will continue next month with a trip to face Torreense.