The U21’s beat Athletic with goals from Fran Sol and Alfonso (2-1)
The combined U21 team, made up of players from the Villarreal CF Reserve teams, qualified for the Semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup after beating Athletic Club 2-1 with goals from Fran Sol and Alfonso Pedraza. It was a hard fought match between two of the best Reserve squads in Spain; both teams put on a great show at Adams Park, the Wycombe Wanderers stadium.
The Yellows, already having finished top in the group stages, went ahead early on in their Quarter-final match thanks to a goal by Fran Sol, who took advantage of a great ball from Leo Suárez in the 4th minute.
The second came at the start of the second half. Alfonso Pedraza the goal scorer this time; he linked up perfectly with Aitor Cantalapiedra and put the ball past the Athletic goalkeeper, Remiro, to make it 2-0. Only a few minutes later, the Basque side closed the gap thanks to Guruzeta. The final minutes were absolutely thrilling, but Villarreal hung on for victory and qualified for the Semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup. The date and opponents for the next match are still to be confirmed.
Line-ups:
- Villarreal U21: Ander Cantero; Carlos Julio, Javi Ramírez, Pablo Íñiguez, Peris; Aitor Cantalapiedra, Ramiro, Anton Shvets, Alfonso (Larrea, m. 65); Leo Suárez (Maldo, m. 90) and Fran Sol (Mario, m. 84).
- Athletic U21: Remiro; Sukia, López, Baque, Unai Bilbao; Iruarrizaga, Guarrotxena (Jurgui, m. 46), Urtzi, Guruzeta; Salado (Pradera, m. 62) and Arrellano (Egoitz Magdaleno, m. 72).
- Goals: 1-0. Min. 4: Fran Sol. 2-0. Min. 47: Alfonso. 2-1. Min. 50: Guruzeta.
- Referee: Anthony Coggins (England). Cautioned: Anton Shvets from Villarreal; and Iruarrizaga and Remiro from Athletic.
- Stadium: Adams Park.
