Sunderland began their Europa League league-phase campaign with a hard-fought 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light, thanks to a second-half penalty from Enzo Le Fée. Régis Le Bris's side dominated much of the match but were profligate in front of goal, hitting the post and missing several clear-cut chances before the spot-kick settled the contest. The victory marks Sunderland's long-awaited return to European football, and captain Granit Xhaka spoke of genuine ambitions of reaching the Frankfurt final next spring, though the display suggested more clinical finishing will be required to get there.

The match, sandwiched between a Premier League defeat to Arsenal and an upcoming trip to Manchester City, saw Le Bris rotate his squad, resting Brian Brobbey, Dan Ballard and Thomas Meunier, while new £30m signing Malick Fofana made his first start. AZ, unbeaten in the Eredivisie so far this season, pushed back through winger Kees Smit and had chances of their own, but goalkeeper Robin Roefs and a resolute Sunderland defence held firm. Le Fée, named the game's outstanding player, made amends for a penalty saved by David Raya against Arsenal by converting after Weslley Patati fouled him in the box, sealing a morale-boosting win watched by 1973 FA Cup hero Jimmy Montgomery among the VIP guests.