Sunderland begin European adventure with win over AZ Alkmaar

Report as Sunderland beat AZ Alkmaar in their opening Europa League clash; Enzo Le Fee's second-half penalty was the difference between the two sides in what was the Black Cats' first European appearance in 53 years

Enzo Le Fee's penalty ensured Sunderland kicked off their Europa League adventure with a 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light.

Wednesday's match was the Black Cats' first taste of European football in 53 years and they put in a dominant first-half display before being put under pressure after the restart when Kees Smit fired narrowly wide.

Le Fee then sent Sunderland ahead from the spot in the 66th minute to seal victory in their maiden Europa League outing. They return to European action next month away to Torreense.

Regis Le Bris made four changes from Saturday's defeat to Arsenal as Omar Alderete, Trai Hume, Malick Fofana and Wilson Isidor all started and Alkmaar made two switches from their last Eredivisie match with Smit and Ayoub Oufkir lining up.