Du LaLiga HPC team taste success against Almeria

Two weeks into the training and scouting camp, the du LaLiga HPC players delivered a stellar performance against LaLiga's Almeria and Granada.

The du LaLiga HPC U18 and U16 teams faced off other top LaLiga Youth Club teams with the confidence of champions and had beaten both Sevilla club teams and went head to head with three other LaLiga clubs earlier.

Commenting on the performance of the teams over the past two weeks, Fernando Sanz, general director of La Liga, Mena, said, "We expected the teams to perform well this year, with the U18 team, champions of the UAE FA Academy League, having had a full year of training and the U16 having trained as a team since last April. This week they demonstrated that they indeed can play at the level of LaLiga. We have also had positive feedback from clubs who are eyeing some of our top players."

The U16 squad dominated their match against Almeria with over 60 per cent ball possession to register a a 2-0 victory. The pace was set with the opening goal in the 36th minute thanks to a well-timed pass from captain and left-winger Adham Bayoumi to Mohammed Kareem, who did the rest.

It continued in the second half, where a fantastic pass from Omar Taha gave striker Fabio Rollano an opening to score the HPC's second goal. The U18-Almeria match resulted in a goalless first half as both teams fought relentlessly for ball possession.

After exchanging 10 of their 11 players at half time, Almeria opened the scoring with two goals within the first 10 minutes of the second half with a well-placed header and a deflected shot. In the 65th minute, Driss Matni was fouled inside the penalty area but was denied his chance for the du LaLiga HPC to start climbing back. Then in a formidable play from the midfield, captain Mohammad Bouherrafa sent the ball to the left-hand-side where defender Mohammad Anas was able to head a strong ball into the net away from the keeper's reach. The match ended 2-1 in Almeria's favour.

The du LaLiga HPC teams gear up next to face LaLiga Youth League Champions Malaga FC in the coming few days

Source: Khaleej Times