The FC Barcelona U19 side continue to be invincible in Europe. García Pimienta’s team overcame Juventus on Matchday 5 of the UEFA Europa League with the only goal of the game to claim top sport in their group with 15 points from a possible 15. Barça will be first regardless of what happens in the final fixture of the group stage, the fourth time they have won their group in five appearances in the competition.
Barça dominated possession and control of the game in the opening half, moving the ball around in an attempt to open up the Italian defence. Juventus were well organised at the back and the visitors found it difficult to create clear cut chances. Riqui Puig tested keeper Loria from distance after 20 minutes and Carles Pérez and Collado did all they could out wide in attack but the chances were few and far between.
After a goalless first half, the chances started to come after the break. Collado brought a great save from Loria before the Italians’ defence was finally breached in the 50th minute. Carles Pérez did really well down the right hand side and his ball was finished off expertly by Riqui Puig.
The home side had a chance to bring the scores level through Montaperto but the Juve number 10’s effort flew just over the crossbar. Barça could have made it two with chances for Collado and Kike but in the end Puig’s goal was enough to give them the win. Juventus’ frustration boiled over in the final minutes when Kameraj was dismissed for two yellow cards. Montaperto joined him a few minutes later for a reckless challenge on Miranda with the home side ending the game with 9 men and the blaugranes ending the game with a guaranteed place in the knock out stages.
