Athletic and Eintracht Battle in Youth League Round of 16: Penalty Shootout Drama

The journey to the Round of 16 in the Youth League was decided by a dramatic penalty shootout between Athletic Club and Eintracht Frankfurt. Goalkeepers Simón and Siljevic took center stage in a match that concluded with a 2-2 tie after regular time. Ultimately, it was 19-year-old Amil Siljevic from Frankfurt, holding Bosnian nationality, who emerged as the hero by stopping penalties from Urzaiz and Quintero, granting Eintracht a victorious edge. The match concluded with heightened emotions as the German team celebrated in front of the most fervent supporters at Lezama, prompting Athletic’s captain, Gift, to request they celebrate away from the pitch.

Athletic had progressed through the initial phase with relative ease, achieving three victories and two draws in their last five matches, which allowed them to play the elimination round at home. In stark contrast, Eintracht advanced with seven points fewer than Athletic, struggling in their last five continental matches with three defeats and only one win.

Under the guidance of Bittor Llopis, who had recently led Basconia to promotion, the Athletic team dominated the first half, quickly taking the lead. They scored just minutes into the match with a goal from Oyono, following an excellent cross from Adrián. The Youth League seemed favorable for Athletic, with club president Jon Uriarte and football director Mikel González in attendance after a lengthy press conference at San Mamés earlier that day.

Athletic maintained control over Eintracht through persistent pressure and high pressing. Gift, who was effective in every wing play during the first half, was particularly active, leading to a second opportunity for Athletic in the 24th minute when Egotiz Hernández nearly scored, leaving Siljevic, the Eintracht goalkeeper, shaken after a collision with his teammate.

Eintracht attempted to shake off the pressure and pushed for a deeper attack. One of their key players, Eisele, had a golden opportunity to equalize but inexplicably sent his shot wide of the target with Simón already beaten. However, the Eintracht captain persisted and, on his next foray into the box, headed a corner kick into the net after eluding Adrián’s marking.

Athletic responded quickly; in the next play, Gift’s impressive run and cross found Oyono, who hit the post. The Athletic side was eager for more, and the referee’s intervention—stopping a corner to warn against holding and pushing—ensured that the first half concluded with added time. During this extension, Siljevic blocked a shot from Oyono, but Oyharçabal capitalized on the rebound to score, making it 2-1.

In the second half, Athletic managed to contain the game for a significant period. They strategically drew Eintracht in, knowing that Gift had the capability to break through lines and create scoring opportunities. As the game approached the 80-minute mark, Eintracht began to stretch their play, albeit cautiously to avoid overexposure. They knew that conceding during this phase could prove decisive. The Hessian side was clear about their options, and they struck back at the 80-minute mark with substitute Dzanovic, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion that would ultimately lead to penalties.

**Athletic Lineup:** Simón, Unamuno (85’ Liceaga), Quintero, Larrea, Zarandona, Ezpeleta, Adrián Pérez, Egoitz Hernández (Narbarte, Oyono (Sainz 76’), Oyharçabal (85’ Urzaiz), Gift

**Coach:** Bittor Llopis

**Eintracht Lineup:** Siljevic, Spahn, Peter (77’ Dzanovic), Osel, Neuendorf (14’ Avadis), Is Eisele, Oteng-Mensah, Ilicevic, Dills, Staff (59’ Gaul Souza)

**Goals:** 5’ 1-0 Oyono, 39’ 1-1 Eisele, 45+1 2-1 Oyharçabal, 80’ 2-2 Dzanovic

**Referee:** Radoslav (Bulgaria). Yellow cards were issued to Staff (21’), Dills (52’), Ezpeleta (69’), Simón (78’), Oteng-Mensa (93’), Siljevic (95+).

**Penalty Shootout:** Adrián Pérez (goal), Ilicevic (miss), Urzaiz (saved by Siljevic), Dzanovic (goal), Quintero (saved by Siljevic), Souza (goal), Gift (goal), Dilis (goal).