3-3 (3-2): THE U19S FALL TO A PENALTY SHOOT-OUT DEFEAT AGAINST NANTES IN THE UEFA YOUTH LEAGUE

It was a tough defeat to take for our U19s in the UEFA Youth League play-off round. After a quiet first half in Nantes, the second provided full entertainment with the home side seemingly home and dry after three goals in quick succession. But the U19s did not give up and mounted a comeback no one could have foreseen. Three goals in eight crazy minutes levelled the game and forced a penalty shoot-out, which ultimately proved to be a step too far.

Playing at Nantes's Beaujoire Stadium in front of more than 15,000 spectators and a wet outfield, both teams seemed nervous and a cagey first half ensued. Both sides struggled to string passes together and create clear-cut chances. On the rare occasions when the U19s managed to find shooting opportunities, Iker Villar and Nacho came closest to opening the scoring. But what the first half lacked in excitement, the second certainly made up for. Six minutes after the break, Nantes took the lead through a Sergio Martínez own goal following an unfortunate ricochet off the crossbar. Soon after, a Mafoumbi brace seemed to have confirmed the U19s' exit from the competition.

But the word 'surrender' does not exist in our dictionary and the U19s showed just that. Salguero pulled a goal back in the 69th minute to give hope before Collado's long-ball over the top found Iker Villar, whose volley was turned into his own net by Dugard. Well and truly back in the game. Bakary was then fouled inside the box, penalty given. Up stepped captain Collado, no mistake! 12 minutes remained to find a winner, but it was not to be and a penalty shoot-out was required to decide the tie. Collado could not repeat the trick and missed the opening spot kick. Nantes scored their first and were immediately on the front foot. The shoot-out finished 3-2 to Nantes, knocking the U19s out of the UEFA Youth League.

Photo: FC Nantes

Starting XI: Marc, Diego Jiménez, David López, Robert Jalade, Sergio Martínez, Rivera, Bakary, Nacho, Iker Villar, Collado, Salguero. Substitutes: Colomer, Edu Altozano, Jorge, Alberto González.

Goals: 1-0: Sergio Martínez (51', OG); 2-0: Mafoumbi (63'); 3-0: Mafoumbi (66'); 3-1: Salguero (69'); 3-2: Dugard (75', OG); 3-3: Collado (78', pen).

Penalties: 0-0 Collado (miss); 1-0 Touré; 1-1 Robert Jalade; 2-1 Mongo; 2-2 Bakary, 3-2 Assoumani; 3-2 David López (miss); 3-2 Gomes (miss); 3-2 Sergio Martínez (miss).