The unstoppable UDA academy youngsters beat Deportivo Alavés U19 in the last-16 tie to qualify for the quarter-finals with goals courtesy of Younes and Rachad.
Alberto Lasarte's Under-19s youth team buzzed with excitement as they keep Spanish Cup dream alive and advance to the quarter-finals after a last-16 tie in which the lads came flying out of traps.
It was a bright start to the game for UD Almería U19s 'A'. Rojiblanco Youness put his side in front within 4 minutes through an Alavés defender's deflection. Then, the visitors began to have more possession, but without creating many chances except for Iñaki Ormazabal's strike that finished off the post after heading in a good cross. When the first half was nearly over, Rachad's goal doubled the UDA youngsters lead. The Spain U18 international made the most of a dead ball within the box.
The second half kicked off somewhat with less intensity than the first, with the teenage Indálicos whipping in most of the chances that could have extended their lead on several occasions. First, Marsu with a volley from the edge of the area. Shortly after, Younees tried his luck too and last but not least, Rachad hit the woodwork. However, Deportivo Alavés under-19s pulled one back courtesy of Egoitz Muñoz, who powerfully booted a direct free-kick.
From that minute on, the team from Vitoria cranked up the pressure and began to worry the UD Almería U19s 'A' defenders. But there was actually nothing to worry about since the hosts knew how to defend effectively even though they suffered a bit in a few nail-biting final minutes at the Francisco Pomedio ground.
Sacrifice, teamwork and two great goals by UD Almería U19s 'A' sealed passage to the Spanish Cup U19 quarter-finals.
Match information:
UD Almeria U19 'A': Bruno; Edu, Paco, Varó, Torres (Loyal. 77'), Marsu, Marcos Peña, Joan (Álvaro. 89'); Fede Oliva, (Valen 66'), Rachad and Younes (Jorge. 77').
Deportivo Alaves U19: Gaikza Garcia; Egoitz Muñoz, Marcos Ceña, Xanet Olaiz, Miguel Aranda (Yinde Pinto. 54'); Markel Ruiz, Iñaki Sáez, Iñaki Ormazábal (Martín. 54'); Ander Sánchez, Daniel Lubomirov and Javi Gomila (Julen. 54')
Goals: 1-0 Younes (4'). Rachad 2-0 (45'). 2-1 Egoitz Muñoz (73')
Referee: Sanchez Villalobos. He booked visitors Iñaki Saenz and Egoitz Muñoz.
Observations: Spanish Cup U19 last-16 tie played at the Francisco Pomedio ground in Huércal de Almería. It was another sold out match.