Club NXT U19 lost for the first time in the Youth League. Blue-Black took the lead twice, but each time Aston Villa managed to equalize. After a red card just before halftime, the English were still able to go up and over our youngsters. In the second half Club NXT still tried to force something, but the Villans were too strong by 11 to 10. Final score: heavy 2-6 figures.
After three draws, Club NXT U19 wanted to get started with a first victory in the Youth League. In the past, they already succeeded against other English teams such as Manchester City and Leicester City. Blue-Black therefore started with confidence. The first chance was for Aston Villa, but goalkeeper Vanden Driessche saved easily. Club NXT immediately took control of the match and put pressure on the visitors' goalkeeper and defense, causing the opponent problems. First Kaye and Da Silva unfortunately got in each other's way to open the score, but a minute later it was a goal. On poor defending, Da Silva intercepted the ball and netted the 1-0. Shortly after, Lund Jensen was blocked when he too popped towards goal.
On another quick breakaway, Furo rounded everything and everyone, but he had veered a little too far to the left and his attempt disappeared over the goal. Bisiwu, Granados on a free kick and again Furo could not double the score either. What a fierce start by our youngsters. The British tried to get out of contention with quick counterattacks. Each time with a long ball they tried to get close to our goalkeeper. Vanden Driessche first prevented the equalizer, but on a nice cross from the left flank, Burrowas was able to score the equalizer at the right post. Against the run of play, but the boards were tied.
Barely five minutes later, Furo was foul stopped and captain Granados kicked in the penalty in a controlled manner, 2-1. Club NXT controlled the match, Villa occasionally trying to reach the Bruges goal with their tackics of long balls forward and especially through their left flank. Just five minutes before halftime Villa was able to bang on goal and the ball came unhappily against Axl Wins' shoulder. Red card and penalty was the hard verdict of the Hungarian ref. Broggio kicked the penalty into the bottom left corner. Blue-Black had to continue with ten and even before halftime Vandeperre worked the leather unhappily into his own goal on another Aston Villa chance. Half-time score 2-3, knowing that our youngsters were in fact the better team.
