In a heart-wrenching semi-final clash of the UEFA Youth League, AZ Alkmaar's under-19 football team fell short against FC Barcelona, losing 1-0 in Nyon, Switzerland on April 25, 2025. This defeat means that the defending champions will not have the chance to repeat their remarkable victory from the previous year, where they became the first Dutch team to win the prestigious youth tournament.
The match kicked off with high stakes, as both teams were eager to secure a spot in the final. AZ, having impressed throughout the tournament by defeating football giants like Real Madrid and Manchester City, entered the match with confidence. However, they faced an early setback when Barcelona was awarded a penalty in the 7th minute after a foul by Kasper Boogaard on Juan Hernandez. Hernandez himself stepped up to take the penalty, slotting it home to give Barcelona a 1-0 lead.
Despite the early goal, AZ did not back down. They fought hard to find an equalizer, with their first significant opportunity coming just before halftime. A shot from Boogaard was cleared off the line, leaving AZ frustrated as they headed into the break still trailing. The team, coached by Michael van Zijtveld, regrouped and came out strong in the second half, but Barcelona's defense remained solid, thwarting AZ's attempts to score.
Barcelona, now set to face Trabzonspor in the final on April 28, 2025, showcased their experience and composure as they managed to maintain their slender lead. The match was particularly notable for the presence of Shane Kluivert, son of former Dutch international Patrick Kluivert, who made a late appearance as a substitute.
AZ's journey through this year's UEFA Youth League has been nothing short of impressive. They not only defended their title but also eliminated formidable opponents along the way. The squad included several talents who have already made their mark in AZ's first team, such as Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro, Wouter Goes, Mexx Meerdink, and Kees Smit. Young players like Julian Oerip, Kasper Boogaard, and Yoël van den Ban are now looking to follow in their footsteps and make a similar transition to the senior squad.
Throughout the tournament, AZ's youth team displayed resilience and skill, overcoming teams like Manchester United, Benfica, and Manchester City. Their performance this season has set high expectations for the future, as they continue to develop and nurture young talent.
As the dust settles on this semi-final, the focus shifts to the final showdown between Barcelona and Trabzonspor, who secured their place by defeating Salzburg 2-1 in the other semi-final match. This final promises to be an exciting encounter, with Barcelona aiming to become the first team to win the UEFA Youth League three times, having previously claimed the title in 2013/14 and 2017/18.
Trabzonspor, the first Turkish team to reach the round of 16 in this competition, has also made history by reaching the final. They will look to capitalize on their momentum and challenge Barcelona for the title at the Colovray Sports Centre in Nyon.
The final will kick off at 18:00 CET, and fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see who will emerge victorious in this prestigious youth tournament. Will Barcelona add another trophy to their cabinet, or can Trabzonspor pull off an upset and claim their first Youth League title? The stage is set for an unforgettable clash.
With the semi-final defeat behind them, AZ Alkmaar's young talents will undoubtedly reflect on their journey and the lessons learned throughout the tournament. While they may not have reached the final this time, their performances have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in youth football, and the future looks bright for this talented group.
