News
SÁB 17.06.2017
Round of 16
The LaLiga Promises knockout stage kicked off with the clash between RC Deportivo and Malaga CF, in which the Andalusians ran out rampant 5-0 winners. Antonio Martin was the undoubted star of the show, notching a hat-trick.
Real Betis and Real Sociedad locked horns next up, with the San Sebastian outfit edging through by the odd goal. Despite seeing his side bow out and failing to get on the scoresheet, Betis's Samu caught the eye with one of the outstanding pieces of play of the competition so far.
Keep an eye on Samu at @RealBetis_en... great run that deserved a goal! #LaLigaPromises pic.twitter.com/nJC9NsBnO4
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 17, 2017
RCD Espanyol were the next team to book their spot in the quarter-finals, defeating RC Celta. A solitary effort from Woury Mballo – a back-post header – was enough to keep the dream alive for Los Pericos.
Valencia CF and Sevilla FC played out the tightest match of the bunch, to the extent that it took penalties to separate the sides. The Andalusians' goalkeeper, Marcos del Valle, capped an impressive all-round performance with some shootout heroics to take his team into the next round.
Villarreal CF had no such trouble in getting past CA Osasuna. The Juan Enrique Herrero-inspired hosts cruised into the last eight, helped also by one of the goals of the tournament from Ale.
Atletico Madrid, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid were the last of the lot to qualify for the quarters. Los Rojiblancos overcame Granada CF 2-1, with Caste in dazzling form, Los Azulgranas dispatched UD Las Palmas 2-0 and Los Blancos were 2-1 winners over R. Sporting, with Alberto Risco grabbing the winning goal.
Jan Molina & Llorenç fire @FCBmasia into the quarters! #LaLigaPromises pic.twitter.com/sweEASPT5u
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) June 17, 2017
Quarter-finals
Atletico and Sevilla contested the first encounter of the evening session, with both gunning for the first spot in the semi-finals. The Madrilenians it was who claimed it, moving ahead after just three minutes through Javi Alonso and then sealing the deal through Raul Juarez.
This was followed by another display of Villarreal's quality and resilience, as the Yellow Submarine saw off Espanyol to take another step towards defending their crown. Although Woury put the Catalans ahead, two goals in the space of just over a minute – courtesy of Enrique Herrero and Llatzer Caparros – turned the game around.
Barça subsequently eased past Malaga 3-0 thanks to strikes from Llorenç Ferres, Pau Fernandez and Gerard Hernandez. Last but not least, Real Madrid put Real Sociedad to the sword by the same scoreline, with Marcos Aceituno, Alex Jimenez and Risco on target.
Semi-final fixtures
Atletico Madrid v FC Barcelona
Real Madrid v Villarreal CF
Click here to view the LaLiga Promises results and schedule in full detail
© LALIGA - 2017