The Juvenil B team of FC Barcelona will compete this Wednesday in the final of the Under-18 Mundialito (10 PM / Teledeporte and Esport3). Led by Cesc Bosch and Jordi Poma, they will face Racing de Avellaneda after defeating Palmeiras in the semifinals and Corinthians in the quarters (both matches ended 2-2 and 4-2 in favor of Barça after penalty kicks).
Penalty shootouts tipped the balance in favor of Barça, who will not face Real Madrid after the Argentine team eliminated them just before the final. The Bahrain Victorious Nuevo Arcángel Stadium in Córdoba will host the decisive match, where a team that has endured challenges to reach this point could claim the trophy, spotlighting several standout players under Bosch’s leadership.
It’s impossible not to highlight the role of the two goalkeepers: Gerard Sala (17) and Gerard Valls ‘Gere’ (16). Both goalkeepers were key for Barça in the semifinals and quarterfinals, respectively, by saving penalties. Sala stopped one against Palmeiras, while Gere saved two against Corinthians.
In defense, the performance of players like Sergi Mayans (16) cannot be overlooked. Having renewed with Barça last summer, the center-back emerged as a leader of Bosch’s defense. Against Palmeiras, his excellent ball forward allowed Iu to open the scoring.
In midfield, younger talents stand out, such as Gorka Buil and Artem Rybak, both 15. Formerly with Zaragoza and an Under-16 international with Ukraine, both players have thrived in Juvenil B, contributing with goals and assists. The Spaniard scored against Corinthians, and Rybak provided an assist in the clash with River.
Just as with the goalkeepers, Bosch can rely confidently on his forwards. Due to minimal rest time, Pol Mancheño (16), signed from Espanyol this summer, and Genís Clúa (16), have supported the team with goals. Mancheño is one of the tournament’s top scorers with three goals, while Clúa has added two more.
Iu Martínez : One for the future
Undoubtedly, a standout performer in this Mundialito is Iu Martínez. Besides scoring twice in the semifinals, the Suria winger was pivotal during the group stage against Como, earning a penalty and providing an assist. Beyond statistics, Iu has been a constant threat on the left wing, being a true nightmare for opposing defenders. His style recalls that of Jan Virgili, who recently moved to Mallorca.
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