Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar: Back in Europe After 53 Years

Another fiercely competitive Europa League season awaits. English clubs reached the finals of all three European competitions last season and won two of them. With three English sides involved in this season's Europa League, that gives some indication of the challenge ahead.

One of those three representatives will be Sunderland, who are preparing for only the second European campaign in their history. Despite playing outside the top flight, the Black Cats won the FA Cup in 1972-73 to qualify for the following season's European Cup Winners' Cup.

Sunderland beat Hungary's Vasas in both legs of the first round before facing Sporting CP. A 2-1 victory in the first leg was overturned by a 2-0 defeat in Portugal, ending their European adventure in the second round.

Last season's seventh-place finish was Sunderland's best in 25 years, matching their achievements in 1999-2000 and 2000-01. For a finish higher than seventh, the records have to be traced back to the 1950s.

Sunderland were a dominant force in English football during the 1890s and have six league titles to their name, the last coming in 1935-36. European club competitions did not exist in those days, leaving them without the opportunity to crown their domestic achievements with success abroad.

That history gives this season's European campaign particular significance as Régis Le Bris and his players prepare to take the first step.

Fans looking to attend the match can find Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar tickets on Seatpin.

A Strong Start in the Eredivisie

AZ Alkmaar have won only two Dutch league titles, most recently in 2008-09, yet they continue to represent the Netherlands in Europe with remarkable consistency.

AZ have competed in Europe in 20 of the past 23 seasons, reaching quarter-finals and semi-finals on multiple occasions. They also reached the UEFA Cup final in 1981, although a European trophy has so far eluded them.

In a country where PSV, Ajax and Feyenoord have left precious little room for anyone else, winning 57 of the past 60 league titles between them, AZ have claimed two of the remaining three. This season, they have made an excellent start to their league campaign.

After winning their opening five matches, AZ dropped two points against Willem II in their sixth. They had already made a statement at the start of the season by beating PSV 4-0 in the Dutch Super Cup.

Sixteen points from six matches could make AZ PSV's biggest challengers this season. Now, Leeroy Echteld and his players will look to spring a surprise at the Stadium of Light against the strongest Sunderland side in recent years.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar Tickets

One of the most intriguing fixtures of the Europa League's opening week takes place in England's north-east. An evening meeting between two distinct footballing traditions offers an appealing follow-up to drinks in the old fire station square.

Sunderland vs AZ Alkmaar tickets are available on Seatpin for supporters planning to attend the fixture.