News
SÁB 24.06.2017
Ten top-quality Under-12s matches were played out in Newark on Saturday to pave the way for what promises to be a sensational Sunday, when Villarreal CF, FC Barcelona, Valencia CF and Real Madrid will do battle for the prestigious LaLiga Promises International Tournament title.
Group A
Real Madrid stayed top of the standings, with a 100% record, thanks to a 4-0 win over local outfit Ironbound SC. Meanwhile, Sevilla FC were even more emphatic winners over Atletico Nacional in the final match in the section, prevailing 5-0 to knock the Colombians out alongside the hosts.
Jose Antonio of @SevillaFC_ENG with a contender for goal of the tournament! #LaLigaPromises pic.twitter.com/2gWMl2rCWK
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 24, 2017
Group B
Atletico Madrid completed their own group-stage clean sweep by beating FC Internazionale Milano 1-0, ensuring the Rojiblancos ended up with nine points out of nine available. Valencia claimed second spot in the group courtesy of a 2-0 triumph against Club America, while Inter also went through to the quarter-finals as the second-best third-placed finishers.
Group C
Not to be outdone by the two Madrid teams, Barcelona also made it three victories from as many games to win their group. A solitary goal proved enough for the Catalans to overcome SL Benfica, who had also won their first two matches and went through as runners-up. Despite losing both of their encounters on the opening day, Villarreal secured a ticket to the last eight as the best third-placed side courtesy of a 4-0 thrashing of New York City FC.
Quarter-finals
Atletico Madrid 0-4 Villarreal
Despite their magnificent group-stage performances, Atletico bid farewell to LaLiga Promises after falling to Villarreal, who confirmed that they have really hit their stride in New Jersey. A Juan Enrique Herrero brace helped keep the Yellow Submarine on course to make their second final in a week, having graced the title decider in the PAMESA LaLiga Promises National Tournament on home turf last weekend.
Valencia 2-0 Benfica
A goal from Carlos Igual after just eight seconds and another from Hugo de Mateo in the sixth minute propelled the Valencians back into the LaLiga Promises International Tournament semi-finals. On Sunday Los Che will be looking to lift the trophy for the second time, having previously been crowned champions in 2014.
seconds.... @valenciacf_en's Carlos doesn't hang about against Benfica!
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 24, 2017
#LaLigaPromises pic.twitter.com/M8oAowsEwv
Barcelona 1-0 Sevilla
A late Iker Bravo effort swung a tight contest in Barça'sfavour and quashed the Andalusians' dreams. The Catalans went into this competition fresh off tasting glory in the National Tournament last Sunday and continue to harbour high hopes of repeating the feat in Newark.
Real Madrid 2-0 Internazionale
Los Blancos joined Barcelona as the only other semi-finalists with a perfect record after easing past their Italian opposition. Two goals from Marcos Aceituno did the trick for Real Madrid, who succumbed to hosts Villarreal in the National Tournament last four a week ago and will be desperate to gain revenge and reach the showpiece match this time round.
LaLiga Promises International Tournament semi-final schedule:
16:00 (CET) - Valencia v Barcelona
16:30 (CET) - Villarreal v Real Madrid
Get the full lowdown on the 2017 LaLiga Promises International Tournament here
© LALIGA - 2017