Sunderland mark European return with win over AZ Alkmaar

Sunderland began their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light on Wednesday, marking their return to European competition after 53 years.

The decisive moment came in the 66th minute, when French midfielder Enzo Le Fee converted a penalty to settle a fiercely contested match.

Sunderland had been unable to find a breakthrough during an evenly balanced first half, but eventually made the difference after the interval to secure victory on their return to Europe.