Academy

1-1: YOUTH SIDE BOOK SPOT IN UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE KNOCK-OUTS

12/12/2023

PSV falling to a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal meant that a point at Lens was enough to confirm qualification to the knock-out stages for Lolo Rosano's team and leave them eagerly awaiting the draw on December 19th

Sevilla FC U19s secured a 1-1 draw at RC Lens in the final matchday of the UEFA Youth League group stage. This result, coupled with Arsenal's 3-1 victory against PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, sees Lolo Rosano's side through to the knock-outs of the competition.

In the first half, the Sevilla youth side dominated both in terms of possession and chances created but the hosts grew into the game as the it moved towards the halfway point. With just eight minutes gone, Rosano's team saw a headed effort fly over the bar before, in the 15th minute, the referee punished a challenge by Sergio Martínez by awarding the hosts a penalty from which visiting goalkeeper Marc proceeded to keep out Bonté's effort. The french outfit were not to be denied for long though as, midway through the first period, Fofana opened the scoring and his side duly went in 1-0 up at the break.

The contest continued to be hard fought after the interval but Sevilla were the team with more presentable opportunities and, with an hour on the clock, Sergio Martínez attoned for his earlier error, the captain producing a great finish to convert Nacho's cross and bring his team, for whom the introduction of Jesuli and Emilio had provided more control in the game, level at one apiece. Colomer also entered the fray late on and his dangerous run almost led to a winner, however this missed chance was ultimately not costly as the Sevilla U19s would soon be celebrating qualification for the knock-out stages of the tournament after news arrived of Arsenal's win at PSV.

A captain's goal from Martínez and an Arsenal win on the road saw Rosano's side book their place in the UEFA Youth League in the new year

As a result, the U19s could now be drawn against Midtjylland, Nantes, reining champions AZ Alkmaar, Zilina, Basilea, Olympiakos, Mainz 05 and Partizan in the next round. The draw will take place on December 19th and the fixtures are scheduled for February 6/7th 2024. Rosano opted for the following starting XI against Lens: Marc; Diego Jiménez (Arquellada, 64'), Robert Jalade, Sergio Martínez, David López (Alberto González, 88'); Iván Salguero (Emilio, 74'), Edu Altozano (Jesuli, 64'), Nacho; Bakary, Ibra and Iker Villar (Colomer, 88').