Academy players star as Atletico Madrid's LaLiga World adventure draws to a close

Atletico Madrid's tour of Australia is drawing to a close. The club's academy players starred as the Rojiblancos played their second LaLiga World match on Sunday morning. Diego Simeone gave some of his youngsters a chance to shine and as many as seven of his starting XI came through the ranks at the club's academy. However, despite an impressive performance, it was the home side who ran out winners.

The Simonds Stadium in Geelong was decked out to welcome Atletico Madrid. Over 16,000 fans filled the stands to enjoy a game that entertained from start to finish. There were chances for both sides, great individual performances and a goal that broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time.
In his post-match press conference, Simeone had the following to say of his academy players' displays: "I'm really pleased for all the lads who played. For Theo [Hernandez], for Caio [Henrique], and for [Rafael] Borre's first-half performance. This game allowed us to show what these lads have to offer and the alternatives they provide us with for the future."

It was the day and the match for those chosen to lead Atletico Madrid's future. They all showed their character, skill and energy. Javier Manquillo, Lucas Hernandez, Juan Moreno, Caio, Amath Ndiaye, Oliver Torres and Theo, who all came through the club's youth system, all made the starting line-up. For many it was the first time they had featured on this Australian tour.

Atletico's record on their LaLiga World tour of Australia is one win and one defeat (both 1-0). Simeone's players will train at AAMI Park on Monday before taking a flight back to Madrid. "The experience in Australia has been a positive one because we found good pitches to play on and there was a great turn-out from fans," said Simeone.

Four days, a win and a defeat, although, aside from these two matches, the trip has also served up unique moments like Fernando Torres and Saul Ñiguez posing with the kangaroos at the zoo, the training clinic with the kids, the chance to visit Melbourne or the joy on the faces of Australian fans when their dream of getting an autograph or a selfie with their hero came true… After all, that is part of what LaLiga World is all about: making dreams come true across the planet.