Match Summary

Sunderland hosted AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light for League Stage - Matchday 1 of the UEFA Europa League. The hosts claimed a 1-0 victory at the final whistle.

Decisive Penalty Breakthrough

The game's sole goal arrived in the 66th minute. E. Le Fee stepped up to convert a penalty for Sunderland, giving his side a crucial lead that they held until the end.

Discipline and First-Half Action

Referee J. Pignard kept a busy notebook during the match. Sunderland's T. Hume received a yellow card in the 22nd minute, followed by teammate O. Alderete in the 30th minute. AZ Alkmaar's A. Oufkir also picked up a yellow card in the 39th minute.

Substitutions and Second-Half Changes

AZ Alkmaar made their first change at the break, bringing on Weslley Patati for A. Oufkir in the 46th minute. Sunderland replaced O.Alderete with D. Ballard in the 52nd minute. Further tactical switches followed in the 67th minute, with Sunderland introducing T. Meunier, B. Brobbey, and N. Angulo.

Match Statistics

  • **Ball Possession:** Sunderland 45% - 55% AZ Alkmaar
  • **Total Shots:** Sunderland 20 - 11 AZ Alkmaar
  • **Shots on Goal:** Sunderland 5 - 2 AZ Alkmaar
  • **Corner Kicks:** Sunderland 12 - 5 AZ Alkmaar
  • **Fouls:** Sunderland 14 - 13 AZ Alkmaar
  • **Yellow Cards:** Sunderland 3 - 2 AZ Alkmaar
  • **Total Passes:** Sunderland 382 (78% accuracy) - 493 (82% accuracy) AZ Alkmaar
  • **Expected Goals (xG):** Sunderland 2.90 - 1.49 AZ Alkmaar