News
FRI 29.12.2017
We round up the last day's action at the 22nd LaLiga Promises International Tournament in Arona, Tenerife.
Semi-finals
Valencia CF 1-0 RCD Espanyol
The first semi-final was an extremely tight affair and it took a set-piece to break the deadlock. The decisive moment came in the 18th minute, when Aaron Martin latched on to a long throw and volleyed home the sole goal of the game.
FC Barcelona 2-2 Atletico Madrid (4-3 on penalties)
Los Azulgranas got off to a dream start, racing into a 2-0 lead inside 12 minutes. Gerard Hernandez and Amadou Balde were on target to fire the Catalans into the driving seat. However, Atletico were not about to throw in the towel and managed to claw their way back into the encounter, forcing penalties through strikes from Roni and Diego Rosado. Barça it was who had the last laugh, though, with Alex Honrubia's save handing them victory in the shoot-out.
Final
Valencia CF 0-1 FC Barcelona
With the title up for grabs, the tension showed right from the off. Both teams came out cagily and chances were at a premium in the first half. Barcelona had the clearest sight of goal, Cristo Muñoz flicking a header just over the crossbar.
Captain Gerard fires @FCBmasia in front in the final! #LaLigaPromises pic.twitter.com/he83OOewMZ
— LaLiga (@LaLigaEN) December 29, 2017
The breakthrough came after half-time, when Gerard sent the Culers fans into raptures with a rasping drive from the edge of the area. Although Valencia fought to the end, they were unable to find a leveller, meaning the Catalans lifted the trophy.
© LALIGA - 2017