Club NXT U19 will take on MŠK Žilina U19 in the next round of the UEFA Youth League, a duel to be played in Žilina, Slovakia. During the draw in Nyon, which took place at 1 p.m. today, the posters for the round of 16 were determined. The match is scheduled for Feb. 24 or 25. The final game day and kickoff time will be announced at noon on Monday, Feb. 9. More info for fans wishing to travel along will follow later.
ROUND OF 32
After a handsome 3-2 win and strong remontada against AS Monaco U19, Club NXT U19 qualified for the next round of the UEFA Youth League. After an early 0-2 deficit, Lund Jensen brought the tension back just before halftime and scored the 1-2. Shortly after halftime, captain Goemaere provided the 2-2 with a cold-blooded penalty, after which Lund Jensen decided the match with his second goal. It was the second meeting between the two teams at The NEST this European season, and once again Blauw-Zwart drew the longest.
COURSE IN THE LEAGUE PHASE
The campaign began with a home game against AS Monaco U19, in which Club NXT U19 won 1-0 thanks to a penalty kick by captain Goemaere. A few weeks later followed the first move, to Italy, where Atalanta Bergamo U19 was defeated 0-2 after two goals by Bisiwu.
On Oct. 22, a second away game was scheduled, this time against Bayern Munich U19. Club NXT U19 recorded a convincing 0-3 victory there, good for a third clean sheet for goalkeeper Argus. The goals came from Goemaere (penalty), Musuayi and Verlinden.
This was followed by a home game against FC Barcelona U19. Blauw-Zwart started strong with chances for Koren and Furo, but it was Lund Jensen who opened the scoring in the 16th minute. In an exciting closing phase, Van Britsom made it 2-0. It meant a fourth consecutive victory and a fourth clean sheet for goalkeeper Argus.
At the end of November, the team traveled to Portugal for its final away game, against Sporting CP U19. At the Stadium Aurelio Pereira, Club NXT U19 suffered its first and only defeat of the campaign: 2-1. Sporting CP scored twice in the second half. Musuayi provided the tying goal in added time.
The group stage concluded with a home match against Arsenal FC U19 on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The visitors took an early lead through Agustien, after which Blauw-Zwart had to look for the equalizer. Goalkeeper Porter held Arsenal up several times, but in minute 85 Musuayi still made it 1-1. In minute 96, Van Britsom, on a pass from Kurtal, headed the 2-1 final score on the board. With this victory, Club NXT U19 secured a deserved third place in the overall standings with 15 out of 18 and only three goals against in six matches.