SIA Academy’s participation in the Johan Cruyff tournament 2025 in Salou was a clear demonstration of competitiveness, development, and commitment to our working model. Between December 5 and 8, we took part in one of the most prestigious events in youth football with our U16 cadet team, enjoying a high-level experience that strengthened both the players and the SIA Academy sporting project. This tournament once again confirmed that we are prepared to compete in demanding environments without losing sight of our values.
From our arrival in Salou, we understood the tournament as an opportunity for growth. Representing SIA Academy at such a prestigious event means taking on sporting and emotional challenges that are an essential part of a footballer’s development. Every match was approached with responsibility, intensity, and a clear collective identity, key elements that define SIA Academy both on and off the pitch.
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A very demanding group D for SIA Academy
We were drawn into group D, where we faced high-level opponents such as Rayo Vallecano, Autentik’s, and On Sport. For SIA Academy, competing in this context means accelerating learning and putting the work we carry out throughout the season to the test. The level of the group forced our players to give their best version from the very first minute of the tournament.
The match against Rayo Vallecano was undoubtedly the most significant of our group-stage games in the tournament. The final score was 0–2, but from SIA Academy we make a very positive assessment of the performance. We competed head to head against one of the leading academies at national level, maintaining defensive order, focus, and bravery on the ball for long periods of the match. Beyond the scoreline, the team showed personality and the ability to sustain a high-level competitive match within the tournament.
Against Autentik’s and On Sport, SIA Academy continued to apply the concepts that had been worked on. The team showed evolution, improving game management and tactical awareness in each match. Although we did not manage to get through the group stage, the overall feeling was positive and fully aligned with our development process.
Mindset and response in the tournament B
After not advancing in the main draw, SIA Academy moved on to the tournament B. Far from being a negative situation, this new scenario was taken on with maturity and ambition. At SIA Academy, we understand every match in the tournament as an opportunity for growth, regardless of the stage or competitive context.
In the quarter-finals of the tournament B, we faced Kaptiva Sports Academy. It was a very balanced match in which our players showed concentration, tactical discipline, and a strong competitive spirit. The 1–0 victory came thanks to a goal from Iker Villarreal, rewarding the collective effort of the entire team. This win reflected SIA Academy’s ability to compete with solidity in decisive moments of the tournament.
Reaching the semi-finals strengthened the group’s confidence and confirmed that daily work has a direct impact on competition. For SIA Academy, this match was a clear example of how development and competitiveness can go hand in hand within a high-level tournament.
A semi-final full of learning and character
The tournament came to an end for us in the semi-finals. It was a demanding match, played at a high tempo and with maximum competitive intensity. Once again, our players showed an exemplary attitude, competing until the final whistle and maintaining the SIA Academy identity at all times. Although the result did not allow us to progress, the performance left a strong sense of pride and development.
This final match of the tournament allowed the players to experience a real situation of emotional demand. At SIA Academy, we place great importance on these kinds of moments, as they are an essential part of a footballer’s development within a tournament of this caliber.
A very positive overall assessment for SIA Academy
The experience at the Johan Cruyff 2025 leaves a clearly positive assessment for SIA Academy. We leave Salou satisfied with having competed, learned, and represented our values in every match of the tournament. The behavior of the U16 cadet group, both on and off the pitch, reflects a strong commitment to our educational and sporting model.
This tournament has strengthened our belief that we are on the right path. SIA Academy will continue to focus on comprehensive development, using each tournament as a tool for learning, growth, and progression. Beyond results, true success lies in the continuous evolution of our players and in the consolidation of a strong identity that defines us as an academy.
