Penalty heartbreak for Athletic Club's youngsters in Youth League
Athletic Club's promising Youth League campaign ends in bitter disappointment as Eintracht Frankfurt triumph on penalties after a tense 2-2 draw at Lezama.
Athletic Club’s promising UEFA Youth League journey came to a crushing halt as Eintracht Frankfurt progressed to the last 16 via penalties after a pulsating 2-2 draw at Lezama.
Siljevic the hero for Frankfurt
With the scores deadlocked after 90 minutes, it was Frankfurt’s Bosnian goalkeeper Amil Siljevic who donned the cape for the visitors. The 19-year-old stopper, who recently celebrated his birthday, proved the difference-maker by saving crucial spot-kicks from Urzaiz and Quintero to send the German side through.
The shootout victory sparked scenes that turned rather tasty at the final whistle. Frankfurt’s jubilant celebrations in front of the home supporters didn’t go down well with Athletic captain Gift, who urged the visitors to take their party to the dressing room rather than wind up the locals.
Early promise fades
Bittor Llopis’s Athletic youngsters had shown proper quality during the group stage, securing home advantage after a strong campaign where they’d gone unbeaten in their last five European fixtures. Frankfurt, by contrast, had qualified with seven fewer points and arrived in dodgy form with just one win from their previous five continental outings.
The hosts started like a train, taking an early lead when Oyono converted Adrian’s pinpoint cross. The young Lions looked comfortable, controlling proceedings with high-pressing intensity as club president Jon Uriarte and football director Mikel González watched approvingly from the stands.
Gift was causing all sorts of problems down the flanks, while Egotiz Hernández nearly doubled the advantage midway through the first half in a collision that left Frankfurt keeper Siljevic in a right two and eight.
Germans fight back
Frankfurt gradually found their feet, with captain Eisele somehow missing an absolute sitter with Simón beaten. The Frankfurt skipper made amends shortly after, heading home from a corner to level the scores.
Athletic responded immediately as the lively Oyono struck the woodwork following Gift’s surging run and cross. Just before the half-time whistle, the hosts regained their advantage when Oyharçabal pounced on the rebound after Siljevic had denied Oyono.
Late drama forces penalties
The second half saw Athletic attempt to manage the game, happy to absorb pressure while looking dangerous on the counter through Gift’s pace. Frankfurt, knowing they needed to score but wary of leaving themselves exposed, bided their time before substitute Dzanovic grabbed the crucial equaliser in the 80th minute.
With no extra time in the Youth League format, the tie went straight to penalties where Frankfurt’s Siljevic proved the difference. After Ilicevic missed Frankfurt’s first spot-kick, the German side converted their remaining efforts while Siljevic saved from both Urzaiz and Quintero to send the visitors through.
A bitter pill to swallow for Athletic’s talented youngsters, who’ll feel they had enough chances to settle matters before the lottery of penalties.