The Academy Rojiblancos, who were trailing 2-0 at half-time, performed a spirited second half and almost took the final to extra-time. Props to the UDA Under-19s 'A' for a fantastic Cup run!
Coming second means you're still further ahead than most Spanish youth sides. UD Almería Under-19s 'A' must be very proud of their Copa del Rey U19 achievement after finishing runners-up to Real Madrid CF U19s. The winners, current champions and one of the best youth teams in the world, mfound themselves on the ropes in the dying embers. Should the game lasted a little more, a two-all draw was more than likely.
Real Madrid CF U19s proved to be far superior to the Almerienses as they had ball possession, fashioned big chances. With 7 minutes on the clock, Youssef hung up a cross in from the left wing and Fortuny finished off with a thumping header to open the scoring (1-0). UD Almería U19s 'A' could have levelled things up five minutes later when Joan squandered his first chance.
Real Madrid CF U19s continued to boss the ball and Manuel Angel slotted home the second within 17 minutes. Nothing could be done by keeper Bruno Iribarne to deny him between the sticks.
Over the second half, Alberto Lasarte made some substitutions, refresh players Valen and Fede Oliva came on for Marsu and Younes, the same changes that the head coach made in the match against Deportivo de la Coruña U19. The teenage Rojiblancos began to create more danger up front and Joan spurned two notable chances almost in a row to have made it 2-1.
Finally, the resilient Indálicos were putting together some neat exchanges through the thirds. Rachad made his presence known as per usual and pulled one back in the 71st minute after a mistake by the Madrid keeper. This consolation goal gave his youth team a boost to tie the match shortly after another mistake by the goalkeeper.
UD Almería U19s 'A' were on fire throughout the last 20 minutes, they more than matched the young Merengues as they were pressing high with quick transitions looking for pacy Marciano, Valen, Fede and Rachad, four names that gave the Blancos defence a hard time.
The Academy Rojiblancos were not attacking with 11 players, they were also threatening with the subs on the bench, the coaching staff and the fans who were rooting for them in the stands making their voices heard wide and far. The lads were very close, but ultimately the true fighters from the south coast did not manage to grab a leveller and ended up losing 2-1. Props to UD Almería Under-19s'A' as they finished Spanish Cup U19 runners-up!
Match information:
Real Madrid CF U19: Diego Pineiro; David Jiménez, Jacobo Ramón, Manu Serrano, Youssef; Nico Paz (Cameron. 74'), Andrés, Manuel Ángel (Ginés. 88'); Fortuny (Yeray. 67'), Gonzalo García (Innkeeper. 67'), Palacios (De Llanos. 67').
UD Almería U19 'A': Bruno, Varó (Antonio García. 84'), Pla (Vicente. 84'), Torres (Leal 66'), Paco Sanz; Joan, Marcos Peña, Marsu (Fede Oliva. 46'); Mariano, Younes (Valen. 46') and Rachad.
Referee: Alejandro Morilla Turrión. Real Madrid CF U19 Manu Serrano and Jacobo were yellow carded
Goals: 1-0, Fortuny (7'); 2-0, Manuel Angel (17'); 2-1, Rachad (70').
Observations: Spanish Cup U19 final played at the Reino de León stadium in the presence of 3,000 spectators.