In a historic achievement for Turkish football, Trabzonspor's U19 team has advanced to the final of the UEFA Youth League after defeating Austria's Red Bull Salzburg 2-1 in the semi-final match held at the Centre Sportif de Colovray in Nyon, Switzerland. This victory marks Trabzonspor as the first Turkish team to reach this stage in the tournament's history, igniting hopes for a championship title.
The match, officiated by Belgian referee Jasper Vergoote, saw an intense battle between the two youth squads. The first half ended with no goals, but the drama unfolded in the second half. Trabzonspor took the lead in the 74th minute with a stunning goal from Yiğit Kemal, who struck from outside the penalty area, sending the Trabzonspor fans into a frenzy.
However, the excitement was short-lived as Salzburg equalized just eleven minutes later. In the 85th minute, Mellberg found the back of the net for Salzburg, leveling the score at 1-1 and putting pressure on Trabzonspor. But the young Bordo-Mavililer were not to be denied their moment of glory. Just as the match seemed destined for extra time, Boran Başkan emerged as the hero, scoring the winning goal in the 89th minute to seal the victory at 2-1.
The match statistics highlighted Trabzonspor's resilience and tactical superiority. Despite Salzburg's earlier opportunity to take the lead with a penalty in the 39th minute—missed by Lukic—Trabzonspor maintained composure and executed their game plan effectively.
Trabzonspor's journey to the semi-finals has been nothing short of remarkable. In the second qualifying round, they triumphed over Buducnost Podgorica from Montenegro with a 3-1 away win, followed by a 5-2 victory at home. Their third qualifying round saw them face Sarajevo, where they drew 2-2 away but secured a commanding 6-1 win at home to advance to the last 32.
In the knockout stages, Trabzonspor continued their impressive form, defeating Juventus 1-0 in the last 32 round. They then faced Atalanta in the last 16, where a goalless draw led to a tense penalty shootout that Trabzonspor won 5-3. The quarter-finals saw them edge past Inter with a narrow 1-0 victory, paving the way for their historic semi-final success.
The excitement surrounding the team has captured the attention of fans and officials alike. Prior to the semi-final, the Turkish Football Federation President İbrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and A Milli Takım Technical Director Vincenzo Montella paid a visit to the Trabzonspor squad, wishing them success in their crucial match.
Looking ahead, Trabzonspor is set to face the winner of the AZ Alkmaar-Barcelona match in the final, scheduled for April 28, 2025, at the same venue. The anticipation is palpable as the team aims to bring home the coveted UEFA Youth League trophy, further solidifying their place in the annals of Turkish football history.
As the final approaches, the young players of Trabzonspor are not just playing for themselves but for a legacy that could inspire future generations. With their eyes firmly set on the prize, they are ready to make history once more.
