Sunderland beat Alkmaar on return to Europe

Sunderland defeated AZ Alkmaar 1-0 in their UEFA Europa League opener on September 16, 2026, marking the club's first European football in 53 years. Enzo Le Fée scored the only goal from the penalty spot in the 66th minute at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland will next play in European competition away to Torreense next month.