Sunderland's winner owed much to the creativity of Enzo Le Fee and Granit Xhaka as the pair, who began the night on the bench, underlined their importance to the Black Cats.
Bournemouth made European history on Thursday by securing a 3-0 home victory against Sturm Graz in the Europa League. Goals from Evanilson, Rayan, and an Alvaro Rodriguez penalty sealed their first European home match win under manager Marco Rose. Elsewhere, Sunderland defeated Portuguese club Torreense 2-1 after Noah Sadiki scored a stoppage-time winner following Jules Ahoka's equalizer, marking their first European away victory in 53 years.
In other European fixtures, Brighton comfortably defeated Lithuanian champions Kauno Zalgiris 4-0 in their Conference League opener courtesy of goals from Jack Hinshelwood, Matt O'Riley, and a Georginio Rutter brace. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace endured a disappointing 3-2 defeat against Lyon. Pierre Sage's side fell short despite goals from Yeremy Pino and Daichi Kamada, unable to fully overcome Corentin Tolisso, Ernest Nuamah, and Pavel Sulc's strikes.
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