Du LaLiga’s HPC U18s storm to title

dubai — The du LaLiga HPC U18 team emerged victors of the second season of the UAE FA Academy League at the weekend after a final face-off against City FC.

The title went to du LaLiga after an unbeaten run throughout the second season which earned them the top spot in the league table ahead of City FC.

With equal possession in the midfield and both teams driving the play with a relentless determination, it was City that broke through the defence of du LaLiga HPC18 minutes into the first half with Jack Manson’s free-kick rocketing from outside the penalty box into the top left hand of the net.

Keeping their composure the boys from du LaLiga HPC drove on and minutes later, Yahia Iraqi’s beautifully placed corner opened up an opportunity for striker Lotfi Machou to head the ball clean past the City FC keeper taking the score to 1-1 where the match stayed till the half time whistle.

The battle for the win continued into the second half as both teams came out with the same stamina and drive to win, however du LaLiga HPC led the possession and kept the pressure on City FC. A poor tackle by City’s Max Foster in the penalty box gave the du LaLiga HPC a penalty 66 minutes into the match.

Unfazed by the pressure, Mohammed Haytham stepped up and planted it into the back of the net, putting du LaLiga HPC in the lead.

The battle continued to the final whistle with City FC trying everything possible to get past the du LaLiga HPC’s defence but were not able to score.

The match ended with a 2-1 victory to the du LaLiga HPC, crowning them the top Academy in the UAE for the second year running. This finished off a stellar season for the team, reflecting their level of play and the intensive year-long training they receive at the hands of LaLiga coaches at the du LaLiga High Performance Center.

The UAE FA Academy League is the nation’s official league for club academies and private academies, raising the bar on youth football across in the UAE.

The U16 & U14 categories will continue to battle it out in the coming weeks with final matches scheduled for April 14, 2018.