On Sunday morning, the VCF Juvenil A faced FC Barcelona in the second leg of the quarter-finals of the Copa de Campeones. The match, held at the Ciudad Deportiva Joan Gamper, ended in a thrilling 3-3 draw after an impressive comeback by VCF Juvenil A. Despite conceding early goals in their first three opportunities, VCF Juvenil A showed resilience and determination to equalize the game in a frantic 6-minute spell in the second half, with goals from Lucas Núñez, Otorbi, and Aimar Blázquez, eventually forcing extra time and securing their spot in the penalty shootout.
VCF Juvenil A has now qualified for the FINAL FOUR of the Copa de Campeones, which will take place in Ponferrada from May 28 to June 1, where they will compete against Real Madrid, Real Betis, and Deportivo de la Coruña.
The Valencian youth team approached the match with confidence after a 2-2 draw in the first leg, leaving the tie finely balanced. However, FC Barcelona quickly took the lead with two goals in their first two chances, courtesy of Hugo Alba.
Trailing 2-0 within five minutes, VCF Juvenil A tried to create opportunities, taking more possession and coming close to scoring through a one-on-one chance with Otorbi.
The Valencian youth team continued to press in the Barcelona area, including set-piece opportunities. However, a quick counter-attack from FC Barcelona after a corner kick resulted in Arnau Pradas extending their lead.
Despite the scoreline, VCF Juvenil A did not give up and kept pushing for a goal. They had a clear chance after a recovery by Pol Trigueros at the edge of the box, setting up Aimar for a shot that narrowly missed the target.
In the early stages of the second half, VCF Juvenil A intensified their presence in the opposition half and had two clear chances. First, a header from Aimar off a cross from Leslie, and then a long-range shot from Lucas Vázquez saved by Yaakobishbili.
VCF Juvenil A’s determination paid off in a frantic 6-minute period where they equalized the tie from the 22nd to the 28th minute of the second half.
It started with a well-worked move where Lucas Núñez, in the heart of the box, finished a great assist from Aimar Blázquez. The goal spurred the team on, and they managed to overcome the setback of a missed penalty by Aimar that hit the post.
However, VCF Juvenil A did not give up, and within two minutes, they leveled the score. First, a skillful finish by Otorbi after recovering the ball, and then a high press after the kickoff led to Aimar dribbling past Yaakobishbili to score into an empty net, sparking celebrations among the team.
With the score at 3-3 and the tie level, a new scenario unfolded in extra time, where both teams had few clear chances. VCF Juvenil A managed the game well, reaching the penalty shootout and securing their qualification.
The FINAL FOUR of the Copa de Campeones will be held in Ponferrada from May 28 to June 1. VCF Juvenil A will compete against Real Madrid, Real Betis, and Deportivo de la Coruña.
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