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U19s eyeing Youth League knockout qualification
BVB, who have put themselves in a good starting position with eight points and 13th place in the table, need a draw to be completely sure of qualifying for the knockout stages. However, the Black & Yellows could even be assured of a place in the knockout stages prior to kick-off if results elsewhere go their way on Matchday 6. They will need to finish in the top 22 in the table to progress.
The UEFA Youth League table is topped by Inter Milan on 15 points, followed by Sporting, Salzburg (both 13), Atalanta and Barcelona (both 12). The top six teams in the final standings will go up against the clubs that finished between 17th and 22nd place in the next round. The teams in positions seven to 16 will play an "all or nothing match" against the winers of the Domestic Champions Path, which is being played in parallel to the league phase of the UEFA Youth League.
"The fact that we have the chance to play football on the international stage in the New Year, despite the difficult personnel conditions, complicated match preparations and having one of the youngest teams in the competition, is not a matter of course. The boys deserve huge respect and the highest praise for this," said Mike Tullberg, lauding the performance from his youngsters. The majority of them won the German B-Junior Championship last season, while talents such as Mathis Albert (15), Mussa Kaba, Luca Reggiani and Samuele Inacio (all 16) are still eligible to play for the U17s.
Now they face their biggest challenge yet against one of the most renowned talent factories in world football. Top stars such as Lionel Messi, Pep Guardiola, Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Carles Puyol, Sergio Busquets and Thiago came through the ranks at 'La Masia', Barcelona's famous academy. The new generation – including the likes of Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsi, Alejandro Balde, Pedri, Ansu Fati and Gavi – is currently in the process of writing its own history in the Catalan club's first team.
The attack is Barcelona's crown jewel
And the next highly talented youngsters are putting themselves in position in the UEFA Youth League. After the opening defeat to Monaco (4-3) and four victories (4-2 against Young Boys, 3-1 versus Bayern Munich, 2-1 at Red Star Belgrade and 2-0 against Brest), Barcelona currently have 12 points and are targeting a top six berth, which will guarantee home advantage in the round of 32. Mike Tullberg said: "In possession, they play a sport of their own with a high level of passing confidence and speed." The crown jewel is the attacking line-up, featuring 16-year-old playmaker Pedro Fernandez and attackers Hugo Alba, Arnau Pradas, Oscar Gistau and Jan Virgili.
Tullberg has come up with a plan to at least frustrate the talents from 'La Masia' and cause them some problems. "They sometimes have problems off the ball. We will defend courageously on the front foot and will have to earn our luck," declared the BVB coach. In terms of personnel, he still has some question marks. There is hope that the recently injured goalkeeper Robin Lisewski and left-back Jonas Feddersen will return to action. Whether Kjell Wätjen and (or) Almugera Kabar will strengthen the team depends on the first-team's squad line-up.
The draw for the round of 32, which will be played on 11/12 February, will take place in Nyon on 20 December.
(wiwi)