There was good news for AZ before kickoff, with midfielder Kees Smit back in the fold after sitting out the previous two league fixtures through a minor injury. The Alkmaar side arrived in England still unbeaten domestically in the Eredivisie this season. For Sunderland, though, the occasion carried extra significance - it was their first taste of European football in 53 years.



Early Chances Go Begging at Both Ends
AZ nearly grabbed an early lead in just the seventh minute. A costly mistake by Le Fee while trying to play out from the back handed possession to Smit, who slipped the ball through to Ro-Zangelo Daal. His effort looked destined for goal but was deflected wide by Sunderland's Dutch shot-stopper, Robin Roefs.



Sunderland responded quickly. Ten minutes later, Le Fee found a pocket of space inside the box and forced AZ goalkeeper Jari De Busser into action. Moments later, De Busser produced an even better save, tipping over a rasping long-range strike from centre-back Kevin Danso.



The hosts came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute. Wilson Isidor wriggled free of his marker and squared the ball to Le Fee, whose first-time finish cannoned off the post rather than nestling in the net.

AZ had their own near-miss shortly after the break.

In the 51st minute, Smit spun away from his defender inside the area and dragged a shot goalward, but it drifted just wide of the target.