Sunderland will play its first European match since 1973 when it faces AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League on Wednesday. This season marks the start of the league phase matches, which are being held a day earlier than usual, with nine games scheduled for Wednesday and the remaining nine on Thursday.
The Europa League's format has changed since the 2024-25 season, introducing a league phase system similar to that of the Champions League. This adjustment allows for flexibility in scheduling, particularly when fixture conflicts arise.
Sunderland's return to European competition is a significant moment for the club and its fans. As they face AZ Alkmaar, keep an eye on their performance and potential impact on team morale. Success could pave the way for deeper runs in the tournament and attract new talent.