2-2: UD Almería U19 A shine against Juventus in Al Abtal Cup
The Academy products showed their footballing skills and managed to peg the Italians back twice. They could have won the game as they created countless chances in their debut in the tournament
UD Almería Under-19s 'A' debuted in the Al Abtal Cup tournament showing their footballing prowess against a great team, Juventus. The team led by head coach Zeus Carmona competed to their strengths with very clear ideas and without giving up his usual style of play.
The UDA Academy Under-19s 'A' played a leading role throughout the first half. They dominated their opponents by having possession and fashioning the first big chances. An olympic goal was even ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper that the ref had signalled. However, Juventus would be the ones who put themselves in front following a great triangular play. Goalie Jesus made a great save minutes before.
From then on, the teenage Rojiblancos plucked up the courage and started to stage an impressive comeback. Carmona's boys pressed high and put the Bianconeros against the ropes. The UD Almería youngsters spurned three clear chances as a result of set-pieces and taking advantage of the wingers' prowess.
Finally, the Rojiblancos U19's 'A' leveller came from a serious error in Juve's forward passing with Pablo Castillo scoring his first goal in the Al Abtal Cup tournament (1-1). The Indálicos youth outfit gained momentum. Paolo Montero's Juventus, a former player of the Italian club and Uruguayan international, could barely do nothing to stop the lads from Almería. The last goal opportunity of the opening half was taken by Luken's comeback header goal, yet the goal was again disallowed for offside.
The second half was pretty much the same as the first. The Spanish under-19s came out on the pitch on fire and once again gave the italian defence a hard time. Juanjo whipped in a great chance, blocked by the goalkeeper, after a solo run. After, Luken hit the crossbar following a corner kick. Unfortunately, Juventus regained the lead again (2-1).
The UDA Under-19s 'A' tried their very best through non-stop set-pieces to level things up. Out of the blue and thanks to another mistake at the beginning of the build-up play by Juventus, José Ismael was the smartest in the attacking third to produce an impressive 2-2 comeback draw.
Information:
The Almeria team compete in Group B along with Slavia Prague, AS Monaco, Juventus and Future Falcons.
Some of the groups that make up the competition promoted by the Saudi Arabian Football Federation are: Real Madrid, Benfica, AS Roma, Villareal or the recent opponents of the Rojiblancos Under-19s 'A', Juventus de Turin.
The next Al Abtal Cup match for the Rojiblancos will be held on 25th November against Future Falcons.