Sunderland hosts AZ Alkmaar in Europa League match after 53-year absence

Sunderland welcomed AZ Alkmaar to the Stadium of Light on September 16, 2026, marking their return to European competition after a 53-year absence. The match ended with Sunderland securing a 1-0 victory, but the emotional weight of the event outweighed the scoreline for many supporters in attendance. Fans expressed a deep connection to the club's history, celebrating the generational significance of the night as both long-time followers and newcomers joined together to witness the occasion. As the team reemerges on the European stage, discussions around their performance and implications for future matches are expected to follow.

• 5:00 AMYahoo Sports — Sunderland in Europe: A Night Shared Across Generations