Sunderland began their UEFA Europa League campaign with a narrow but deserved 1-0 victory over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Enzo Le Fée converted a 66th-minute penalty to give Régis Le Bris's side a winning start in the group stage.
The result provides a welcome boost for a Sunderland side sitting 14th in the Premier League with four points from four games. It continues a positive recent run, with three wins in their last five matches across all competitions. The team's overall stats show they have now accumulated 4.5 goal minutes per game this season, a figure they will look to improve upon. The three points from this win are key as they handle a challenging group stage.
Le Bris named a strong side, with Granit Xhaka anchoring midfield behind an attacking trio of Trai Hume, Le Fée and Malick Fofana, who supported lone striker Wilson Isidor. The hosts started brightly, creating the better chances and forcing AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser into four saves.
Sunderland's pressure told just after the hour mark when they were awarded a spot-kick. Le Fée stepped up and sent De Busser the wrong way, calmly slotting home for what proved to be the winner. The French midfielder's goal was the culmination of a performance where Sunderland dominated the shot count, registering 20 attempts to AZ's 11 and an expected goals figure of 2.90.
Defensively, the Black Cats were largely solid despite picking up three yellow cards. Robin Roefs was required to make only two saves, both from long-range efforts, as the back four of Nordi Mukiele, Kevin Danso, Omar Alderete and Reinildo Mandava kept the Dutch attack quiet. Danso was replaced by Chris Rigg late on after Alderete had earlier made way for Dan Ballard.
The win sets Sunderland up well in their European group. Attention now turns swiftly back to domestic matters and a daunting trip to face second-placed Manchester City on Sunday, a key fixture in their upcoming fixtures list. Fans will be hoping the team can carry this momentum forward and climb the standings.
The victory over AZ Alkmaar marked Sunderland's first European fixture in 53 years, the club confirmed. Manager Régis Le Bris highlighted Enzo Le Fée's decisive contribution, stating, "You need good players in the right moment. And Enzo is a great player." The win extends the team's recent form to three wins in their last five matches across all competitions, a sequence that includes a 1-0 victory over Hull City.
