Smit’s flair fuels Premier League buzz as Sunderland claim win

English newspapers praised AZ Alkmaar’s youthful promise after Kees Smit slipped past Sunderland defender Noah Sadiki, while the Sunderland side celebrated a 1‑0 victory that the British press called historic. The Sun highlighted Smit’s potential to reach the Premier League, a sentiment echoed across the coverage.

Historic European night for Sunderland

The 1‑0 win marked Sunderland’s first European success since returning to the continent after a 53‑year absence, a fact the English media described as “a match for the history books”. noted that the club’s stadium name was borrowed from Benfica’s Estádio da Luz, a reminder of the city’s past European ambitions. Both papers stressed that the victory felt like “serious European football”, underscoring the significance of the result beyond the scoreline.

AZ’s standing and English admiration

The Sun wrote that AZ is “certainly not a small opponent”, pointing out the club’s KNVB Cup triumph, unbeaten run and second‑place finish in the Eredivisie, as well as a Conference League quarter‑final appearance last season. added that Sunderland’s own recent history included a stint in League One only five years ago, highlighting the contrast between the two clubs’ trajectories.

Match moments that defined the game

observed that AZ could have taken an early lead if goalkeeper Robin Roefs had not saved a low shot from Ro‑Zangelo Daal, a chance created by Kees Smit’s dribble past Noah Sadiki. The Telegraph criticised a sloppy defensive pass that allowed Daal a one‑on‑one with Roefs, noting that Daal’s effort was straight at the keeper. Later, Smit showed “silky feet” but his shot went wide, and AZ never managed to breach Roefs again.

In the second half, Sunderland’s Enzo Le Fée missed a penalty, yet the lead held. The Sun reported that Sunderland’s men, under Régis Le Bris, “had to pull everything out of the bag” to preserve the advantage, with Dan Ballard and Reinildo each firing hard shots that were denied by Roefs, who also saved a Mexx Meerdink effort.

BBC commentary highlighted that AZ entered the match unbeaten and demonstrated why in the second half, playing “considerably better” after the break. Despite the improved display, the Dutch side could not convert any of the chances into a goal.

Looking ahead, predicted that “with many players from the own academy we will undoubtedly see midfielder Kees Smit and striker Ro‑Zangelo Daal in the Premier League one day, even if hefty transfer sums are required”. The paper even suggested that Sunderland, now active in Europe, might become a market for such talents. Meanwhile, Sunderland Echo praised Robin Roefs, awarding him an eight‑point performance for his “excellent” saves that proved decisive.