AZ Alkmaar arrive in form for Sunderland's Europa League return | OneFootball

AZ Alkmaar visit Sunderland on the opening night of the Europa League league phase, arriving in impressive early-season form.

Sunderland Echo notes the Black Cats are back in Europe for the first time since 1973 after finishing seventh in their debut Premier League campaign last season.

AZ began with a 2-0 home win over ADO Den Haag, goals from Ro-Zangelo Gal and Calvin Stengs. They then eased past FC Utrecht 4-1 away, with Peer Koopmeiners, Weslley Patati, Mexx Meerdink and Ayoub Oufkir on target.

A Jizz Hornkamp brace secured a 2-0 success at Fortuna Sittard, then Go Ahead Eagles were beaten 5-2 at the AFAS Stadion as Dal struck twice.

The Netherlands Under-21 winger netted his fourth of the campaign in a 3-2 win against Heerenveen. AZ dropped their first points in a 1-1 home draw with Willem II on Friday night, Jordie Clasie scoring before Devin Haen equalised with nine minutes left.

AZ qualified for the Europa League after finishing seventh with 52 points from 34 games, earning a play-off spot. They did not need it, lifting the KNVB Cup for the fifth time with a 5-1 win over NEC to book their place in the league phase.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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