News
DOM 25.06.2017
A perfect campaign in the New Jerseyan city of Newark – with six wins in as many games, nine goals scored and just two conceded – saw FC Barcelona complete a remarkable LaLiga Promises double. Fresh off prevailing in the National Tournament in Villarreal last week, Los Azulgranas sealed glory in the 2017 LaLiga Promises International Tournament by overcoming Real Madrid 3-2 in a blockbuster final.
SEMI-FINALS
FC Barcelona 2-0 Valencia CF
While their performances earlier in the tournament had been impressive, Barça went up a gear in the semi-finals. The Catalans hit the ground running and got their reward, going into the interval 2-0 to the good courtesy of goals from Jan Molina and Gerard Hernandez. Valencia gave it their all, but were unable to mount a comeback, with Barcelona ultimately easing through to another LaLiga Promises final.
Real Madrid 1-0 Villarreal CF
The Madrilenians got revenge for their defeat to Villarreal at this stage of the LaLiga Promises National Tournament last week, coming out on top this time round to book their spot in the final. They were hugely indebted to some heroics from goalkeeper Adrian Molina, who prevented the Yellow Submarine from forging in front on several occasions, before Hugo de Llanos settled the contest with a sensational second-half strike.
FINAL
FC Barcelona 3–2 Real Madrid
The arch-rivals both went into the showpiece with a 100% record after five games apiece, but only one of the two could claim the crown at Riverbank Park, meaning that something had to give.
Barcelona made the better start to this Mini-Clasico and took the lead through Jan Molina, whose powerful drive from close range proved too hot for the Los Blancos keeper to handle. However, Real Madrid responded magnificently and equalised just a few minutes later, De Llanos heading home the first goal that the Catalans had conceded all tournament.
De Llanos struck again shortly after half-time, touching home a corner to put Madrid in the driving seat. Barça were not about to give up, though, and restored parity through Iker Bravo, who moved to the top of the competition's scoring charts with a composed finish after latching on to a through ball. Just when it looked like extra time was on the cards, Bravo popped up again, thumping home a free header from a corner to hand Los Azulgranas the title.
This historic triumph follows the Catalans' victory at the 26th PAMESA LaLiga Promises International Tournament in Villarreal a week ago. Judging by their Under-12s' glittering exploits, a very bright future indeed beckons for Barcelona.
© LALIGA - 2017