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Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque · La21

Football Programmes

24/01/2024 20:17:34

RCD Espanyol’s Juvenil A (under-19s) qualified for the Copa del Rey Juvenil quarter-finals in spectacular fashion, as they beat Real Madrid 2-1 in extra-time on Wednesday.

Javi Chica’s young pericos welcomed Madrid to the Ciutat Esportiva Dani Jarque full of optimism and enthusiasm, yet found themselves trailing after just six minutes when Álvaro Ginés’ took advantage of a loose ball to put the visitors ahead. The blue and white team was forced to react, but with patience and without falling into haste.

Espanyol did not falter and searched for an equaliser through the persistence of Leo Salazar and Jan Moreno, who came close to the target. The Mágico remained calm and managed to equalise right before half-time thanks to a goal from Carlos Sánchez, leaving it all square at the break and all to play for.

Real Madrid came out with more ambition in the second half while Espanyol looked uncomfortable and not as fresh as in the first 45 minutes. The visitors, who had barely worried goalkeeper Llorenç, began to create more danger, as Ginés tried again and Iker Bravo showed his abilities in a great action saved by Llorenç.

An even second half meant that the cup tie went to extra time, with tired legs but motivation from both sides to find the decisive goal. Madrid were pushing but could not breach a resilient Espanyol defence, who themselves were searching for an opening.

As the game entered one minute of stoppage time, less than 50 seconds from a penalty shootout, Espanyol’s persistence paid off as Pallás chased a loose ball in defence and managed to get a crucial touch to the ball that sent it into the back of the net, and the Dani Jarque into pure perico pandemonium.

The final whistle was an outpouring of emotions, celebrating a momentous victory against one of the finest academies in Spain. Espanyol came from behind to defeat Real Madrid, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey Juvenil.