Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland marked their long-awaited return to European football with a hard-fought 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light, in the club's first continental fixture in 53 years. The standout moment came from the penalty spot, as the hosts made their patience pay in the second half. Enzo Le Fée won the penalty himself in the 63rd minute after being fouled during a Sunderland counterattack, then stepped up to convert it two minutes later, sending his effort into the left corner for the game's only goal. Nordi Mukiele almost doubled the lead with a header in the 69th minute, but Sunderland couldn't add the cushion they wanted. AZ pushed hard late on, carving out a big double chance in the 81st minute, though their finishing let them down and no equaliser arrived. There were no red cards or further penalties. For Sunderland, it's a landmark night — a winning start to their Europa League league-phase campaign and proof they can hold their own against continental opposition. For AZ Alkmaar, it's a frustrating opener, undone by missed chances despite generating enough openings to have left with something.