On Friday at 20:15h, the match corresponding to the 22nd round of the Second Regional Youth league took place between SIA Academy and Ciutat de Alzira. The match ended with a commanding 3-1 victory for our boys, in a game that was dominated from start to finish. It is worth noting that the stands were completely full, as it was the highly anticipated local derby between two teams from the same city. This made for a wonderful football atmosphere at the Venecia Stadium in Alzira, where the fans from both sides brought energy and passion to the game, making it an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Table of contents
Match summary
The game began with SIA Academy asserting control over possession. They played with confidence and precision, executing long passes with accuracy and good decision-making in most of their actions. This effective ball movement prevented the opponent from gaining any sort of offensive rhythm, with the visitors finding it difficult to advance beyond their own half.
Elías J. and Matías P., from the defensive line, were particularly instrumental in breaking the visitors’ pressure. They managed to play out from the back and move the ball forward, allowing SIA Academy to retain control and finish their attacks with relative ease. This strategic play highlighted the work done in training, where the emphasis on maintaining possession and calmness under pressure paid off.
Around the 21st minute, SIA Academy took the lead in the match. After several minutes of dominance, a well-executed play resulted in a great finish that gave the home team the deserved advantage. The goal was a direct reflection of the dominance displayed on the field up until that point, and it energized the players even more. SIA Academy’s style of play, characterized by its fast and controlled buildup from the back, showed that they were not only determined to win, but to play attractive and effective football.
From this point, the match followed a predictable pattern. Although it seemed likely that SIA would sit back a bit after taking the lead, this was far from the case. Instead, the team’s dominance only intensified. SIA Academy didn’t allow the visitors any breathing space, maintaining a high level of pressure and intensity. The goal helped calm the team’s nerves, and they began to show their full superiority. In the 40th minute, SIA Academy doubled their lead with a second goal, capitalizing on a rebound inside the penalty area. The goal was well deserved, as it was the result of consistent pressure and excellent positioning in the attacking third.
As if that wasn’t enough, right after the second goal, SIA Academy struck again. No sooner had the match restarted following the second goal than they scored a third, essentially putting the game out of reach before halftime. The visitors, now clearly overwhelmed, struggled to find any way back into the game as SIA Academy continued to display superior tactical awareness and composure.
Second half: absolute comfort for SIA
When the teams returned from the break, SIA Academy played with intelligence and maturity, never losing their grip on the game. Despite their comfortable lead, the team maintained their focus and continued to control the match. Ciutat d’Alzira tried to raise the tempo and apply more pressure, but their efforts were in vain. The defense, led by Elías J. and Matías P., held firm and easily dealt with the visitors’ attempts to break through. Their clearance and positioning were near perfect, and they ensured that the visitors never got a foothold in the game.
In the 70th minute, Ciutat de Alzira managed to pull one back. However, the goal came as a result of an unfortunate play for SIA Academy, rather than a lapse in concentration. Despite this, the team’s response was an excellent demonstration of their mentality. Instead of allowing the goal to shake their confidence, they maintained their composure and pressed forward. This response highlighted the growth of the team, who showed remarkable maturity in dealing with setbacks.
To maintain their dominance, Edgar Carranza and Mauricio P. were brought on, adding freshness and dynamism to the team. Edgar Carranza, positioned as a right-winger, made several dangerous runs, and while none of them resulted in a goal, his contributions were crucial in maintaining the pressure on the visitors. His energy and drive were key in pushing the team forward. As the game continued, Ciutat de Alzira became increasingly desperate, and their frustration boiled over when one of their players was sent off for a second yellow card. From that moment, the visitors’ spirit was broken, and they no longer posed any threat to SIA Academy.
Post-match reflections vs Ciutat de Alzira
The victory not only secured an important three points for SIA Academy, but also served as a testament to their growth and development throughout the season. With outstanding performances from all players, the team showed their ability to dominate the match in all areas of the game. Their passing, positioning, and high pressing made it difficult for Ciutat de Alzira to find any rhythm, and the players’ understanding of the game was evident. The victory was a clear reflection of everything they had worked on in training, and it demonstrated the academy’s emphasis on producing well-rounded players who can execute their tactics effectively.
As a result, SIA Academy’s morale is through the roof for the final stretch of the season. They are now more determined than ever to continue climbing the league standings, with their eyes firmly set on securing the best possible position. The team’s positive momentum is something they aim to carry through to the end of the campaign with that victory in Alzira.
MVP of SIA Academy: Elías J.
The standout player of the match was undoubtedly Elías J., whose performance was nothing short of perfect. As a central defender, he dominated his area with complete authority, showing excellent reading of the game and flawless ball distribution throughout the match. He was instrumental in stopping several counterattacks from the visitors, and his ability to step up and join in the attacking phase, particularly during set pieces, was a key part of the team’s offensive play.
He was so dominant that he almost scored himself on a couple of occasions. In duels, he was superior to the attacking players of Ciutat d’Alzira, winning numerous aerial battles and recovering important balls that gave SIA Academy an advantage going forward. After Ciutat de Alzira’s goal in the second half, Elías J. stepped up as a leader, injecting energy and positivity into the team, ensuring that the players maintained their focus and intensity until the final whistle in Alzira.
