Sunderland attempted fewer passes but generated the bigger threat. They out-shot AZ 20-11, with 15 attempts from inside the box and five on target. xG finished 2.90 to 1.49 in Sunderland’s favor, reflecting both volume and chance quality. They also hit the woodwork once and forced five saves or blocks inside the area. Their duels were strong too, winning 54% overall and 56% in the air.

Set pieces and territory told. Sunderland earned 12 corners to AZ’s 5 and recorded 34 touches in the opposition box. They won 80% of their tackles and completed 24 of 43 long balls, doubling AZ’s accuracy in that metric. The decisive moment arrived from the spot, with the penalty itself carrying an xG of 0.79 before Le Fée converted. When they needed composure, Sunderland had it.

AZ Alkmaar’s volume without the finish

AZ controlled possession at 55% and completed 405 of 493 passes. They spent longer in the final third, completing 108 of 146 final-third actions at a 74% clip. Yet the cutting edge was missing: just two shots on target from 11 attempts and four big chances missed. Ro-Zangelo Daal and Mexx Meerdink each squandered a big opening, while Valdemar Byskov came on to fire three shots for 0.41 xG without reward. Patati’s lively half included two shots and a yellow card, but most notably the foul that led to the winning penalty.

Defensively, AZ were busy and often last-ditch. They made 31 clearances and won 11 interceptions, with Elijah Dijkstra clearing one off the line. Jari De Busser produced four saves and five punches to relieve pressure, although the numbers show he prevented only 0.12 goals compared to the model. Cross supply was limited at 3 of 9, and long-ball accuracy lagged at 11 of 43. The late wave of changes, including Calvin Stengs and Jizz Hornkamp, brought a final push but no equalizer.

Tactical trends by the numbers

The match flipped across the halves. Sunderland bossed the first 45 with 58% possession and a 13-2 shot lead, backed by 1.09 xG. AZ then swung the ball their way after the break, holding 67% possession. Even then, Sunderland remained punchy, posting 1.81 second-half xG to AZ’s 1.22 and putting three of their seven shots on target. The home side’s long-ball execution stood out at 24 of 43 versus AZ’s 11 of 43.

Progression and entries were nearly level overall, with final-third entries at 44 to 45. Ground duels told a story of two halves: Sunderland led 62% to 38% before the interval, then it balanced at 48% to 50% after it. Dribbles were efficient for both, ending 10 of 17 for Sunderland and 8 of 14 for AZ. Sunderland won 80% of their tackles to AZ’s 70% and forced AZ into 31 clearances. Errors that led to shots were 2 for Sunderland and 1 for AZ, but the key mistake came inside the area for the penalty.

MVP: Enzo Le Fée runs the show

Le Fée’s influence reached both boxes, and his Sofascore Rating 9.1 was earned. He won the penalty and buried it, then continued to knit attacks with four key passes and a hefty 0.71 expected assists. He attempted 11 crosses, two accurate, and constantly asked questions from set pieces and open play. He finished with four shots, two on target, and even clipped the post once.

Beyond the goal, he won 12 duels and drew five fouls, which kept AZ pinned during key stretches. His on-target xG reached 0.98, a tidy reflection of shot quality and placement. With 59 touches and 90 minutes in the tank, he balanced creativity and grit. It was a complete midfielder’s night, decided by calm from 12 yards.

A few teammates were close on the numbers. Robin Roefs posted a 7.9 after two saves but a big 0.81 goals prevented, including one stop from inside the box. Granit Xhaka’s 7.5 came with 50 completed passes, two key passes and 10 recoveries, the steady core of Sunderland’s midfield. Daniel Ballard’s late stint was valuable too, adding three blocks in 38 minutes.