“Surprising Victory” – Dutch Media on AZ Alkmaar’s 3-1 Win Over Fenerbahçe
The Dutch press described AZ Alkmaar's 3-1 victory over Fenerbahçe, with a squad mainly composed of young players, as a surprise.
In the fourth week of the UEFA Europa League, Fenerbahçe suffered a 3-1 defeat away to AZ Alkmaar. The Alkmaar – Fenerbahçe match received extensive coverage in the Dutch media. Here are some of the comments:
DE TELEGRAAF: “Talented youngsters bring a great victory to troubled AZ against Fenerbahçe”
“Due to numerous absences, AZ’s coach Maarten Martens got a chance to showcase the talents from the famed 2023 Youth League team against Fenerbahçe. The Turkish club had no idea what hit them, losing 3-1 in Alkmaar.”
ALGEMEEN DAGBLAD: “Young AZ outplays Fenerbahçe, with Kees Smit in the spotlight”
“After six losses in the last seven games, a worn-out AZ finally managed to win again. Young AZ defeated Fenerbahçe 3-1, with an unforgettable goal by 18-year-old Kees Smit. Fielding the youngest lineup of the Europa League season, AZ aimed to beat Mourinho‘s experienced team. The age gap was vast, but the strength difference was minimal.”
NU: “AZ ends dismal streak with an impressive win over Mourinho’s Fenerbahçe”
“After seven defeats and a draw, AZ finally secured a win against a major opponent. Thanks to goals from Ro-Zangelo Daal and young Kees Smit, who made their Europa League debuts, the Turkish club fell 3-1.”
NOS: “AZ defeats Fenerbahçe with contributions from 18-year-old Smit”
“For the first time in eight matches, AZ claimed a win. The Alkmaar side made three shots on target, all resulting in goals, as they defeated Fenerbahçe 3-1. The standout was 18-year-old substitute Kees Smit.”
VOETBAL PRIMEUR: “AZ surprises Fenerbahçe with young players”
“Maarten Martens’ youthful squad managed to hold on to the victory at home. Goals from Ro-Zangelo Daal, Kees Smit, and Denso Kasius sealed the 3-1 scoreline in Alkmaar.”
NORDHOLLANDS DAGBLAD: “Young stars shine from A to Z: Victory over Fenerbahçe ends a dark period”
“In Alkmaar, an exceptionally young AZ squad achieved a magical evening by defeating Turkey’s top club, Fenerbahçe, 3-1. This victory, after a long winless streak, restored AZ’s confidence.”
DE LIMBURGER: “First-time players lead AZ to victory over Fenerbahçe”
“AZ beat Fenerbahçe in the Europa League with goals from two young talents. The match in Alkmaar ended 3-1. Substitute Ro-Zangelo Daal scored in the second half in his first match for AZ. After Youssef En-Nesyri missed a penalty, Kees Smit, making his European debut for Alkmaar, made it 2-1, followed by Denso Kasius for the 3-1 finish.”
