Sunderland 1-0 AZ Alkmaar

The UEFA Europa League league phase continued at the Stadium of Light on 16 September 2026 as Sunderland hosted Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Both teams entered the match looking to claim three points, and the atmosphere was charged with the usual European night intensity.

How it unfolded

The opening stages were marked by disciplined but physical play. In the 22nd minute, Sunderland’s Trai Hume was shown a yellow card for a bad foul, a warning that set the tone for a tightly contested encounter. Eight minutes later, the home side’s defensive solidity was again tested when Omar Alderete received a yellow card for a bad foul, reducing Sunderland’s margin for error.

AZ Alkmaar’s response came in the 38th minute when Ayoub Oufkir was booked for a bad foul, signalling that the visitors were equally willing to contest every challenge. The first half closed with both sides having accumulated two cautions apiece, and the score remained deadlocked at nil-all.

The second half began with a further booking in the 64th minute, this time for AZ’s Weslley Patati, again for a bad foul. The caution did not deter Sunderland, who soon broke the deadlock. Two minutes later, Enzo Le Fée stepped up to convert a penalty, sending a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner to give the home side a 1-0 lead. The goal, earned after a foul in the box, lifted the crowd and shifted the momentum firmly onto Sunderland’s side.

Six minutes after the breakthrough, Sunderland’s Nordi Mukiele was cautioned for a bad foul in the 72nd minute, his yellow card the final booking of the evening. With the score unchanged, Sunderland held on to preserve their narrow lead until the final whistle.

Standout performers

Enzo Le Fée was the decisive figure in the match, converting the penalty that proved to be the only goal. His composure from the spot secured three points for Sunderland and highlighted his importance in crucial moments.

Match facts

  • Final score: Sunderland 1-0 AZ Alkmaar
  • Goal: Enzo Le Fée (Sunderland) – 66' (penalty)
  • Bookings:
    • Trai Hume (Sunderland) – 22' (bad foul)
    • Omar Alderete (Sunderland) – 30' (bad foul)
    • Ayoub Oufkir (AZ Alkmaar) – 38' (bad foul)
    • Weslley Patati (AZ Alkmaar) – 64' (bad foul)
    • Nordi Mukiele (Sunderland) – 72' (bad foul)
  • Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland

What it means

The victory gives Sunderland three points in the UEFA Europa League league phase, while AZ Alkmaar return home without any points from this encounter. Both sides will look to build on the result as the competition progresses.