Sunderland secures Europa League win after 53 years away
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 17, 2026, 8:56 AM
Last updated Sep 17, 2026

Sunderland won their Europa League match against AZ Alkmaar on September 17, 2026, marking a historic return to European football after 53 years. The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Enzo le Fee converted a penalty following a foul in the box. Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini praised the club's loyal fans, who supported the team during a period of playing in the third tier of English football. Gabbiadini noted that this victory was long overdue for the supporters who remained dedicated through challenging times.
- •Sunderland defeated AZ Alkmaar in their Europa League match.
- •The match took place on September 17, 2026, at the Stadium of Light.
- •Enzo le Fee scored the winning penalty in the 66th minute.
- •Marco Gabbiadini emphasized the importance of fan loyalty during tough years.
- •This win marks Sunderland's first European victory in over five decades.
- 8:56 AMYahoo Sports — Fans' loyalty rewarded by Europa League win - Gabbiadini
"Former Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini reflected on a "special" Europa League victory as the club made a winning return to European football after 53 years away. The winning moment against AZ Alkmaar came in the 66th minute when Enzo le Fee slotted away his penalty after being brought down inside the area. "It was very special," Gabbiadini told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily.
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