The Yellows put on a goalscoring show in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-finals
Spectacular. Villarreal U19s (Juvenil A) comfortably beat Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey quarter-final tie (4-1), thanks to goals from Fer Niño (2), Arana and Baena, with the final of those goals coming from the penalty spot. Real Sociedad’s goal was also from 12 yards, in the 93rd minute, through Lobete.
The tie was pulsating from the opening moments, although the opening goal took more than half an hour to arrive. Fer Niño headed a loose ball into the back of the net (1-0, m.31). It was a great jump by the No.9.
The rest of the goals came in the second half. Niño made it 2-0 in the 52nd minute after an excellent piece of team play on the right, which ended with a great flick from the striker in front of the goal.
It was a few magic moments for the Yellows. Filip Jorgensen made a cat-like save in the 55th minute, and the following play saw it become 3-0. It was a lightning-quick counter from the U19s, which allowed Niño to go one-on-one with Gaizka Ayesa. The striker was generous to gift Arana a goal, who was left with an empty net.
The worst part of the second half was the injury to Binu. The Yellows right-back had to leave the pitch after a heavy blow.
Once more Niño took centre stage. This time he did not score or provide an assist, but he did win a penalty. Baena stepped up from the spot (m. 85).
When it looked like the match would end lie that, the side from San Sebastián scored. It was also from the penalty spot, in the 93rd minute, through Lobete.
Lineups:
Villarreal U19s: Filip; Binu (Enric, m. 72), Vadik, Pereiro, Dani Tasende (John, m. 87); Galdón, Carlo Adriano, Morante, Baena; Arana (Jose, m. 68), Fer Niño (Rodri, m. 87).
Real Sociedad U19s: Gaizka; Álex, Ander (Iñaki, m. 66), Julen (Kortajarena, m. 57), Miguel, Yago, Markel (Unai, m. 78), Ibai, Lobete, Ander Martín, Jon Magunazelaia (Jon Karrikaburu, m. 87).
Goals: 1-0. Min. 31: Fer Niño. 2-0. Min. 52: Fer Niño. 3-0. Min. 55: Arana. 4-0. Min. 85: Baena (penalty). 4-1. Min. 93: Lobete (penalty).
Referee: Ortega Herrera. Booked: Álex Baena (Villarreal).
Matchday information: Match corresponding to the first leg of the U19 Copa del Rey quarter-finals at the Mini Estadi at the Villarreal CF Training Ground. A minute’s silence was held in memory of José Antonio Reyes.
