At Sunderland’s Stadium of Light, Mateo Chávez took his first official steps in the UEFA Europa League on a difficult night for AZ Alkmaar. The Mexican left-back played every minute of a 1-0 defeat, as Sunderland marked their return to European competition for the first time since 1973 with a home victory.
Mateo Chávez completes Europa League debut in AZ defeat at Sunderland
Chávez was selected from the start and stayed on the pitch through the final whistle in England. His performance on the left was measured and primarily defensive, with AZ facing increasing pressure as the match developed.
The young defender completed 81% of his passes and conceded two fouls. It was a restrained individual display in a demanding away fixture, although AZ left Wearside without a point in their opening continental match.
Quick facts
- Sunderland 1-0 AZ Alkmaar at the Stadium of Light.
- Mateo Chávez started and played the full 90 minutes.
- The Mexican defender recorded an 81% passing rate and two fouls.
- Enzo Le Fée scored Sunderland’s winner from the penalty spot.
- Sunderland were playing European football for the first time since 1973.
AZ had the clearest opening during a lively start. Enzo Le Fée lost possession while playing out, allowing Ro-Zangelo Daal to break through alone, but Sunderland goalkeeper Robin Roefs saved with his foot.
The home side gradually seized control before half-time. Jari De Busser was called upon to deny efforts from Le Fée, Nordi Mukiele and Kevin Danso, while Le Fée also struck the post before the interval.
Sunderland’s pressure finally brought the decisive moment after the hour. Weslley Patati fouled Le Fée inside the AZ area, and the Frenchman converted the resulting penalty calmly to put the hosts ahead.
AZ pushed forward late on, with Valdemar Byskov, Mexx Meerdink and Daal involved in attempts to find an equaliser. Sunderland, meanwhile, threatened on the break through Brian Brobbey and Nilson Angulo, but Le Fée’s spot-kick remained the only goal.
For Chávez, the evening brought a full European debut and a first taste of a major continental away night. For AZ, the task now is to recover from an opening Europa League setback after Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the European stage.
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