Enzo Le Fée converted a second-half penalty to seal a memorable 1-0 victory for Sunderland against AZ Alkmaar at a packed Stadium of Light, ensuring the Black Cats kicked off their UEFA Europa League campaign with a win on their return to continental action after a 53-year absence.

The fixture marked Sunderland’s first official European appearance since the 1973/74 season. Driven by a passionate home crowd following pre-match light shows and pyrotechnics, Régis Le Bris’ side combined relentless attacking play with stubborn late defending to earn all three points in their opening League Phase match.

The match began with early tension when a stray pass from Le Fée deep inside Sunderland territory handed possession to AZ Alkmaar, allowing Ro-Zangelo Daal a direct run on goal. However, home goalkeeper Robin Roefs reacted swiftly, charging out from his line to smother the effort and keep the scores level.

Sunderland gradually took control of the tempo throughout the first half. Defender Kevin Danso forced a fine save from AZ Alkmaar goalkeeper Jari De Busser with a dipping long-range strike. The host’s most promising opportunity of the half came when Wilson Isidor escaped down the right wing and played a low cross to Le Fée, whose quick shot wrong-footed De Busser before crashing off the post.

The second half opened at an explosive pace. AZ midfielder Kees Smit dragged a clear chance wide inside the Sunderland box before Isidor fired over at the opposite end following a precise pass from Le Fée. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 65th minute when AZ substitute Weslley Patati committed a desperate challenge inside the penalty area, bringing down Le Fée. The French midfielder stepped up to dispatch the resulting spot-kick into the bottom corner in the 66th minute.

AZ Alkmaar launched an aggressive late push for an equalizer in the final 10 minutes, testing Sunderland’s defensive resolve. A goal-mouth scramble saw last-ditch blocks from Danso and Dan Ballard before Roefs made a point-blank reaction save to deny Mexx Meerdink. The victory extended AZ Alkmaar’s difficult record on English soil, keeping them winless across all 12 of their European away matches against English clubs.