Youth League: Juvenil A shoot the Sheriff (just about)

Juvenil A have gotten off the mark in the UEFA Youth League, Bruno Igelsias’s brace leading the defending champions to a 4-1 win over Moldovan side Sheriff.

In spite of Sheriff’s minnow status, only four changes were made to the side who drew away to Inter Milan just under two weeks ago. Israel Salazar was dropped in favour of Pau Ferrer while Manuel Angel started the match alongside Javi Villar and David Gonzalez in midfield. Calleja replaced Edjar in defense with the final change came in goals where Javi Vicente replaced Ruben.

Juvenil A had plenty of chances throughout the first half, but repeatedly found themselves lacking a finishing touch. Bruno in particular struggled to get on the scoresheet in spite of some great oppurtunities. The opening goal came finally from Juvenil A’s sixth corner of the game, Villar rising highest to nod home.

One would of expected the floodgates to open in the second half, but instead the visitors got back level. It was another goal off the set piece, this one deflecting off Pau Ferrer and into the far side corner of Dani Vicente’s net. The scores even, Juvenil A were right back where they started, thankfully, it took them just six second half minutes to get back in front. Gonzalo Garcia escaped his markers and fed a nice cross onto the head of Bruno Iglesias. It was, comfortably, Bruno’s most difficult chance of the game and converting would have certainly improved the young attacker’s mood.

Unfortunately his luck in front of goal didn’t improve, managing just the brace after a penalty kick in a game where he could of scored six or seven. Julen Guerrero would add some gloss to the scoreline and ensure Madrid took their first three points of the group stages. The win is enough to put Los Blancos top of the group after Inter defeated Madrid’s next opponents, Shaktar, earlier in the day.

Here’s hoping the senior side can match result and perhaps enjoy a bit better luck in front of goal.