Alberto Lasarte: 'We're going to play the final against, maybe, the best youth team in the world'

UD Almería Under-19s 'A' head coach Alberto Lasarte and match-winner Rachad Fettal have shared their thoughts after qualifying for Saturday's Spanish Cup U19 final against current champs Real Madrid CF.

'The semi-final against Deportivo de La Coruña U19s has been the game where we've been most recognisable, holding off the rivals and grasping our chances; it's worth highlighting the comeback too,' reflected the gaffer.

Mr Lasarte also added: 'A winning mentality and betting on a more offensive team in the last minutes with Valen, Fede, Marciano and Rachad earned us the victory.' Rachad stressed that what he experienced in the semis 'was crazy,' and the youngster spoke of that moment in which he scored the match-winning goal: 'I was aware of the goal after a few secs. When I scored it, I celebrated pointing at the crest because at the beginning of the competition, nobody believed in our success. No one actually thought we could reach the final.'

The 18-year-old player made it clear: 'Scoring the winning goal last night is the most important moment of my life so far. Hopefully we'll win on Saturday to bring the Cup with us to Almería.'

'Almería never gives up is definitely our motto,' exclaimed Alberto Lasarte. Then he explained: 'This team never gives up. If they fail, they'll bounce back. They always give everything until the very last minute with plenty of energy and team spirit.'

The UDA Academy under-19s 'A' boss pointed out: 'What we did in stoppage time has no explanation,' and Rachad seconded that by recalling: 'We exchanged looks and said "right now"!'

Regarding the next Spanish Cup U19 rivals, Real Madrid CF U19s, Alberto Lasarte commented: 'They could be perfectly the best youth side in the world... one of the top three for sure. Let's try to make it difficult for them and have a good day at the office. Just like his coach, Rachad is well aware of the fact that 'we have to fight and give it our all because they're the best youth team in Spain and the current Copa del Rey Juvenil champions.'