AZ Alkmaar were narrowly defeated in the first match of their UEFA Europa League campaign away to English side Sunderland on Wednesday evening. Lee-Roy Echtold’s side showed courage and fight but were undone by a penalty scored by Enzo Le Fee. The Alkmaarders were boosted by the return of Kees Smit. The midfielder had missed the team’s last two league games with a light injury. AZ are currently still unbeaten in the Eredivisie this season. The match was a momentous occasion for Sunderland, marking their first game in European competition for 53 years.