Photo via Sky Sports

Sunderland begin European adventure with win over AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland marked their long-awaited return to continental competition after a 53-year absence by securing a 1-0 Europa League triumph against AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light. The hosts commanded the opening period before surviving an early second-half scare when Kees Smit missed narrowly for the Dutch side.

The decisive moment arrived in the 66th minute, as Enzo Le Fee successfully converted a penalty to claim all three points in their tournament debut ahead of next month's trip to Torreense.

Manager Regis Le Bris introduced four alterations following a weekend loss against Arsenal, inserting Omar Alderete, Trai Hume, Malick Fofana, and Wilson Isidor into the lineup. The visitors enacted two adjustments of their own from their previous domestic league contest, bringing in Smit alongside Ayoub Oufkir.