Several more matches will be played on Wednesday, but fifteen of the 36 teams will no longer be able to overtake PSV, ensuring PSV under 19 a place among the best 22 teams that will continue in the tournament.
It was Atletico Juvenil A, as Atletico Madrid’s under 19 team is called, that took the lead in Eindhoven through Sergio Esteban, but just before half-time the home team came alongside.
The outstanding Amir Bouhamdi was simply given the ball by Miguel Gil and started a solo. The 17-year-old technically skilled attacker from Sittard, who exchanged the youth academy of Roda JC for that of PSV eight years ago, cut and turned towards the Spanish goal and finished fatally: 1-1.
Immediately after the break, PSV under 19 was again stronger than the Spaniards who committed fouls and Fabian Mérien headed the ball into the goal from a corner. The 17-year-old defender from Veldhoven has already trained extensively with coach Peter Bosz’s main squad and is seen as one of the most promising players in the PSV academy. Coach Vincent Heilmann’s team quickly moved ahead when substitute Kevin Bizoza was able to tap the ball in from close range: 3-1.
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Atletico Madrid then pushed hard and created several chances, but goalkeeper Stijn Kuijsten was particularly strong in goalkeeping. The PSV under-19 goalie was able to enjoy playing in the stadium to which he has literally and figuratively contributed as an apprentice construction worker in recent months. The goalie also had a bit of luck when substitute Gabriel Obama Nzang hit the post and the rebound was also shot onto the post by Atletico.
The score remained 3-1 and with that PSV continues in the tournament, something that the youth teams of Bayern Munich and Arsenal, among others, were unable to achieve. Ajax is still in the running for a place among the best 22. The Amsterdam team is now 21st and will play against number 35 Qarabag tomorrow.
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