A month after securing qualification with a 1-0 win at Villarreal, Paris Saint-Germain’s Under-19s returned to the Youth League for a prestigious Final Four in Lausanne, Switzerland. In their semi-final, the Titis faced a formidable opponent: Real Madrid, winners of the competition six years earlier. In the early stages, it was the Madrid side who dominated proceedings, but Alexis Ciria’s shot from 20 metres was turned away for a corner by Martin James (6'), before Jacobo Ortega’s effort went wide (16').
Continuing their attacks, the Spanish side looked to Diego Aguado to cut into the half-space on the left and unleash a shot, which was once again saved by Martin James (19'). The momentum then shifted, with the Parisians gradually breaking free and creating their first chance through Dimitri Lucea, who won his aerial duel but failed to hit the target (21'). After winning the ball back from the Madrid side, Rayan Abo El Nay found Pierre Mounguengue, who played it to Elijah Ly on the left flank. The Parisian winger failed to hit the target with his shot (27').
Just moments later, David Boly burst down the right flank and once again picked out Elijah Ly, who, on the edge of the box, hit it first time and found the top corner (0–1, 29') . It was now the Rouge et Bleu who looked the more dangerous, and following another high press, Pierre Mounguengue played in Elijah Ly, who this time was denied by Javier Navarro, making a decisive save with his right foot (32'). Before the break, Paris pressed on but Rayan Abo El Nay was denied by the opposition goalkeeper (40'), as was Adam Ayari a few minutes later (45'+3). In the second half, the Madrid side were on a mssion to find an equaliser and Jacobo Ortega found himself one-on-one with Martin James, who won the battle by deflecting the shot onto the crossbar.
In the aftermath, Paris’s last line of defence was helped out by Vainqueur Diyinu Nzinga, who blocked the Spanish side’s second attempt and cleared the danger (54’). The Spanish side settled into Paris’s half, but were unable to find a way through against the Titis, who showed no lack of commitment or team spirit. Noah Nsoki, who came on as a substitute, brought fresh energy to the left wing and cut inside onto his right foot, but was denied by Javier Navarro (81'). Ultimately, it was the Madrid side who managed to score the second goal of the game through Liberto Navascues, bringing the two teams level (1-1, 83').
In added time, Paris had one last chance, but the Spanish goalkeeper made a fine save from Rayan Abo El Nay (90'+4). The two sides were then forced to settle the tie in a nail-biting penalty shoot-out, in which both teams took turns to score. Unfortunately, Paris Saint-Germain’s U19s fell short in the end, seeing their European campaign brought to a close despite an admirable performance. Despite a cruel outcome, our Titis have, throughout this European campaign, defended the colours of Paris Saint-Germain with pride and honour.