Le Fée penalty wins Sunderland’s European return as Stadium of Light searchlights revived | OneFootball

Sunderland marked their first European fixture in 53 years with a win over AZ Alkmaar, Enzo Le Fée settling it from the spot at the Stadium of Light. The midfielder won the penalty and converted to crown a memorable night.

The club also revived the ground's pre-match searchlights, a familiar feature from its early years as the stadium hosted competitive European football for the first time. According to Sunderland Echo, the beams, first introduced in the winter of 1997 then faded by early 2003, could reach up to 10 miles across the city.

Le Fée’s decision carried extra weight after David Raya saved his kick against Arsenal on Saturday. He chose the same corner and this time found the bottom corner to secure victory.

Head coach Régis Le Bris said the midfielder kept the dressing room’s trust, stressing that mistakes happen and resilience matters. He praised Le Fée for stepping up again.

Le Bris also noted an uncertain opening spell and a loose pass that almost sent AZ clear, before highlighting Le Fée’s influence once he settled. He said the Frenchman links play, creates and scores, defends well with the group, and still has room to improve.

Source: Sunderland Echo

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