Sunderland mark European return with win over AZ | OneFootball

Sunderland marked their return to European football after 53 years with a memorable 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League at a packed Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats dominated the first half but were frustrated by their finishing. Enzo Le Fée came closest when his long-range effort beat Jari De Busser but struck the post.

AZ improved after the break and began to put Sunderland under pressure, but the hosts found the breakthrough in the 66th minute. Following a swift counter-attack, Le Fée was brought down in the box and calmly converted the resulting penalty into the bottom corner.

The Dutch side pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, forcing Sunderland into some crucial defensive work. Kevin Danso and Dan Ballard produced vital blocks before goalkeeper Robin Roefs denied Mexx Meerdink from close range.

Sunderland survived the late pressure and held on for a historic victory - their first in European competition since 1973. Régis Le Bris’ side could even have added a second late on, but the missed chances mattered little as the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations on Wearside.

Incidents: The story of the match

Sunderland Official Line-ups:

Robin Roefs, Trai Hume, Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Kevin Danso, Reinildo Mandava, Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Enzo Le Fée, Wilson Isidor, Malick Fofana

AZ Alkmaar Official Line-ups:

Jari De Busser, Elijah Dijkstra, Lewis Schouten, Wouter Goes, Mateo Chávez, Jordy Clasie, Peer Koopmeiners, Kees Smit, Ayoub Oufkir, Ro-Zangelo Daal, Mexx Meerdink

1':

The match begins

Enzo Le Fée scores for Sunderland with a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner. The score is now Sunderland 1, AZ 0.

66':

GOALSunderland: Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland) scores penalty-kick!

Enzo Le Fée scores goal number 1 in the competition (1 matches)

998':

The referee whistles for the end of the match