Villarreal U19s fought until the end but bow out of European competition after a narrow defeat to Paris Saint-Germain
Villarreal U19s said goodbye to the UEFA Youth League after suffering a narrow 0-1 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in a match in which the Yellows went toe to toe with their opponents, created numerous chances and deserved a better result.
The match began with greater possession for the French side, although without creating real danger. The first clear chance fell to Villarreal in the 11th minute, following a wide free-kick from Hugo López. However, the delivery found no taker and the ball went out of play. After that chance, the Yellows stepped up, pressing higher and playing in the opposition half. Adrián Vivo threatened shortly afterwards following a fine pass from Hugo López.
PSG, meanwhile, looked dangerous on the counter and took the lead through Elijah Ly, who finished inside the box to make it 0-1 in the 27th minute.
In response to the goal, the Yellows reacted with intent. Iker Adelantado came close to equalising on two very clear occasions, first hitting the post and then forcing a save from the opposition goalkeeper.
The second half began with a huge chance for Hugo López, who tested PSG after an individual move with a shot down the middle that was saved by goalkeeper Martin James. Villarreal, coached by Pepe Reina, continued to push forward and were awarded a penalty after the No.10 was brought down in the box. However, his effort from the spot was saved by the goalkeeper.
The Yellows kept creating chances but lacked luck in front of goal. In the 82nd minute, José Ángel Gaitán struck a loose ball in the box that, after several rebounds, crashed against the crossbar. Arjona, Babacar and Iker Adelantado also had opportunities, even in stoppage time, but the ball simply would not go in.
Villarreal U19s therefore exit the UEFA Youth League after an outstanding campaign, recording five wins and just one defeat in the group stage, before beating Bayer in the round of 32 and Legia Warszawa in the round of 16, and finally falling to PSG in the quarter-finals.
