Villarreal U23 beat Manchester United U23 with goals by Dalmau and Pedrito
On to the next round. Villarreal U23 qualified for the Semi-finals of the Premier League International Cup in spectacular fashion. The Yellow Submarine, managed by Miguel Álvarez, beat Manchester United U23 thanks to two goals in the space of three minutes at the start of the second half, scored by Dalmau and Pedrito.
The young Yellows adapted to the game well. In the first half they were well organized and defended smartly, attacking the Manchester United goal with speed when possible. Despite both teams creating chances and looking dangerous on the attack, after some fine saves from Josele the score line remained 0-0 at the half.
That changed at the start of the second half at Leigh Sports Village though. Villarreal U23 scored two goals in just three minutes of play, which in the end were enough to take them through to the Semi-finals of the competition. It was Dalmau who opened the scoring against Manchester United U23, he got away from his defenders and hit a powerful left-footed strike past the English keeper (0-1, m. 49).
The goal knocked United and gave the Yellows momentum, which they turned into second goal moments later. Pedrito took advantage of a miscalculated back pass and slotted the ball under O’Hara for Villarreal’s second (0-2, m. 52).
From that moment on the Yellows maintained their lead by keeping possession of the ball for the rest of the tie, not giving United a chance to get back in it. A prestigious win.
Villarreal U23 will find out their opponents for the Semi-finals in the draw that will take place after all the Quarter-final fixtures have been played.
Lineups:
Manchester United U23: O’Hara; Riley, R. Williams, Ercolani, Olosunde (Warren, m. 46); Redmond; Chong, Hamilton, Gribbin (Joshua, m. 69), Kehinde; Dearnley (Boonen, m. 78).
Villarreal U23: Josele; Migue (Darío Poveda, m. 88), Ramon Bueno, Roger Riera, Franquesa; Cedrés (Miguelón, m. 80), Morlanes, Pedrito, Chuca (Imanol, m. 46); Mario González and Dalmau.
Goals: 0-1. Min. 49: Dalmau. 0-2. Min. 52: Pedrito.
Referee: Peter Gibbons. Cautioned: Migue for Villarreal U23.
Ground: Leigh Sports Village.
