The Juvenil team from Málaga CF’s Academy is taking part in the return leg of the first UEFA Youth League tie against FC Nitra, on Wednesday 19th October. In the first leg, the Blue and Whites were victorious in Slovakia by 2-3. The “excitement” of advancing in the competition is still intact.
Sergio Pellicer, coach of the Juvenil team in the MCF Academy
Excitement: “Taking part in this competition guarantees excitement. Playing the return leg at La Rosaleda generates further excitement still. It’s like we’re daydreaming, with our eyes wide open, alert and living the day to day. We hope tomorrow will be an historic day for everyone, particularly for grassroots football. It’s the best scenario possible to compete in this UEFA Youth League”.
Solid block: “I expect a very physical match, very similar to the first leg. I’m certain that FC Nitra will try to impose a fast pace of play, very physical and high pressure. Knowing this, we must dominate the ball, play quickly and get the ball to the attacking zone where we have destabilising players. More importantly, we’ll need to work hard, defend well as a team and maintain a solid block. We must stick together, particularly at a ground like La Rosaleda, maintain possession and make them run. This is what we did in the final minutes of the first leg, which allowed us to turn the result around where there were more spaces.”
Arturo Segado, Juvenil team captain
Special competition: “We’re very excited. It’s a competition that many young guys dream of playing. The best teams in the world are competing, and some of the best youth squads. It shows that Málaga CF is doing a good job. For us, playing at La Rosaleda, where many of us have been ball boys with the first team, is thrilling. We can’t wait.”
How’s the team feeling?: “We’re feeling great, and really looking forward to playing at La Rosaleda. This is one of the most important matches in our footballing career. We want to be protagonists, play the ball and win to qualify to the next round. It’s a fantastic competition.”