Charlton's U13s and U14s suffered defeat against IF Brommapojkarna in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Madrid Cup on Saturday.
The young Addicks defeated FC Spartak Trnava and D10 Academy to finish top of Group D, ahead of Real Madrid and Inter Milan, and set up the last-eight tie with the Swedish side, who ran out 2-0 victors to progress to the semi-finals.
Charlton 2 FC Spartak Trnava 1
It was the perfect start to day two as the Addicks opened the scoring within five minutes through Les Yeutembip. Kit Fleming swung in a great corner for the skipper to head home to put the young Addicks ahead.
Just minutes later Culleton's side had the chance to double their lead as they countered with pace. The ball was spread to Kelechi Ffrench out on the right who struck a perfect ball to the back post for Kingsley Onwuka to latch onto, but the midfielder’s initial attempt was saved well by the Slovakian side’s keeper before the follow-up was parried out for a corner.
The opposition received a questionable free-kick on the left-hand side of the pitch just shy of the 15-minute mark. Trnava’s number 14 stepped up and curled an unstoppable effort straight into the top-right corner.
The young Addicks responded well and continued to threaten at the other end, this time through Theo Laronde. The versatile midfielder received a drilled pass on the edge of the box and shot goalwards, though the Trnava keeper made another important save.
Seven minutes after the half-time interval and Charlton were denied a penalty after Onwuka was hacked down in the box.
The young Addicks received their just reward in the 33rd minute. Ffrench caused havoc down the right-hand side as he took it past his man with ease, before sending a drilled cut back towards the far post for Mishel Nduka to fire into the top corner and secure qualification with one game to spare.
Charlton 3 D10 Academy 0
In their final group stage fixture of the tournament, Charlton faced Argentinian side D10 Academy. The opposition’s fate was already sealed prior to the clash, however Culleton’s side were still aiming for top spot of Group D.
The young Addicks continued their relentless dominance in the group stage by opening the scoring in the fourth minute. Ffrench again had a big hand in his side’s success as he glided past the D10 full-back and squared for Ethan Jeche to tap in with ease from close range.
Two minutes later, Charlton had their second. Kenzo received the ball on the halfway line and sent a powerful through ball in the direction of Ffrench. The winger pounced onto the pass and drove towards the D10 net before thundering an effort across goal to make it 2-0.
Heading into the interval, the young Addicks held a comfortable lead having produced a stellar performance in the opening half. The boys continued their hard graft deep into the second half and had a number of chances to add to their goal difference and solidify their spot at the summit.
The first chance after the interval fell to Onwuka. Enrich Legisi won the ball in the middle of the park through a powerful interception and slipped the ball to Jeche who sent Onwuka one-on-one with the keeper, but the D10 stopper made an impressive save.
Legisi once again proved difficult to deal with in the centre of the pitch as he let fly from 30 yards out. His effort was spilled by the keeper, who was quick to react and claim the ball at the second time of asking.
With seven minutes remaining, Charlton bagged their third and sealed their spot at the top through Lauren Rodrigues de Castro. The winger took it past two midfielders with ease and fired into the roof of the net from 20 yards out.
Charlton Athletic 0 IF Brommapojkarna 2
Charlton's group stage success set up a quarter-final clash against IF Brommapojkarna. Going into the tie, the young Addicks were yet to concede an open-play goal in the entire tournament, however the Swedish side struck first and went ahead inside the opening three minutes.
A long ball down the right-hand side was pounced on by their centre-forward, who showed fantastic strength to hold off Mikhail Simons and power into the box before eventually getting a shot off at Finley Lapper. The keeper made a good save but the forward followed up the rebound.
Charlton’s hopes of reaching the final four took another blow in the 16th minute as the opposition grabbed their second. A low cross was drilled across goal and worked its way to their winger, who calmly tapped in from close range.
The young Addicks sought a way back into the game thereafter and Ffrench found Jeche with a cross, but the forward could only fire over from close range as Culleton's side suffered defeat.
Charlton will now take on Atlético Madrid on Sunday for the right to earn fifth spot.
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
(Article by Alex Forrest)
