Aperçu Capital FC U20

Sunderland marked their highly anticipated return to European football with a historic 1-0 victory over AZ Alkmaar at a roaring Stadium of Light. Enzo Le Fee was the hero for the Black Cats, converting a second-half penalty to end a 53-year wait for a win in European competition.

AZ Alkmaar midfielder Kees Smit has opened up on his decision to reject a summer transfer, with the highly rated youngster reportedly attracting strong interest from Real Madrid. Despite speculation over a blockbuster move to bolster Los Blancos midfield, Smit ultimately opted to remain in the Eredivisie following crucial behind-the-scenes talks with his current club.

Troy Parrott has been a prolific presence for Eredivisie side AZ and the Republic of Ireland national team, so why has a Premier League team not taken a “£25-30 million” punt on the Tottenham academy graduate? Ray Houghton has asked that question during an exclusive interview with GOAL, as Parrott is backed to net “12-14 goals” in the English top-flight.

The Ibrahimovic legacy is set to continue in the Netherlands after Maximilian Ibrahimovic finalised a permanent move away from AC Milan to join AZ. The young winger is returning to familiar territory in the Eredivisie following the conclusion of a developmental loan spell with Ajax's reserve side.