Source:thechampionsyouthcup.com
Manchester United emerged victorious after a tremendous battle against Boca Juniors at the Hang Jebat Stadium here tonight to book their place in the last eight of the Champions Youth Cup.
Manchester United emerged victorious after a tremendous battle against Boca Juniors at the Hang Jebat Stadium here tonight to book their place in the last eight of the Champions Youth Cup.
The English club, despite having one more game to go, claimed their place in the next round after a sensational 3-2 win tonight, their second consecutive victory in as many matches. So irrespective of the result against Inter Milan on Monday, Manchester United will be able to catch up with their fans in Kuala Lumpur.
Goals from Daniel Drinkwater in the fifth minute, Sam Hewson in the 22nd and Febian Brandy in the 40th provided the 5,000-plus fans with plenty to cheer about.
The two goals from Boca's Lius Ilbanez in the 26th minute and Carlos Colazzo in the 60th minute certainly added to the excitement especially in the later stages as they pushed hard for the equalizer.
Despite going down, the South Americans are still in with a chance to make the last eight.
Inter Milan have one foot in the door after their 1-0 win over FC Porto here tonight. The Italians have four points from their two matches and one more against Manchester United in their final group match on Monday would be enough to see them through.
For Porto though, tonight’s loss, their second after going down to Manchester United two days ago, meant that they were out of contention.
Aiman Napoli’s fifth minute goal after beating the FC Porto offside trap made all the difference as Inter Milan clung on to their slender lead to collect the three full points.
The 2-2 draw against Boca on Thursday had given them the start they were looking for and against Porto they looked very confident as they went in search of the early goal.
FC Porto coach, Patrick Greveraars, FC Porto coach: “We are disappointed that our journey has come to an end. Two defeats in two matches means we are out of the running. But that's football. You don't score you dont win. But the good thing I can take from the match was that we are playing better with each match and I am sure we will be even better in our final match against Boca Juniors.
Inter Milan coach, Vicenzo Esposito: “We are happy with the four points we have collected so far. Even though we are not playing at our peak, our mental strength helped us through."
Manchester United coach, Andrew Welsh: “What a match. There were goals and some fantastic football from both teams. We are delighted to be in the last eight but then we deserved it. We fought hard and kept our shape because playing Boca with some talented players in their side wasn't easy.
"We knew they could score goals but we also knew if we keep it tight at the back we have a chance too."
