Barcelona’s Under-19 side cemented their place in history on Monday by winning the UEFA Youth League for a record third time. In a dominant performance against Trabzonspor U19, Barca claimed a 4-1 victory in the final, showcasing the strength of their famed La Masia academy even without some of their brightest young stars.
The Catalan side struck twice through Ibrahim Diarra, while Andres Cuenca and Hugo Alba also found the net. The victory was especially impressive given that starlets Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, although eligible, were not selected as they are now regulars in the first team. Juliano Belletti’s young charges controlled the match and dismantled a previously unbeaten Trabzonspor.
Barcelona not only inflicted Trabzonspor’s first defeat of the Youth League season but did so in a commanding fashion. Despite the absence of Yamal and Cubarsi, the team’s depth and quality shone through, with Diarra’s double helping to set the tone early. Belletti’s tactical setup allowed the side to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
This Youth League triumph adds to an already stellar season for Barcelona’s Under-19s. They have also secured the domestic league title and the Copa del Rey Juvenil, with the Spanish Champions Cup still to come. Should they win that competition as well, they could end the campaign with an extraordinary four major trophies.
Meanwhile, the success of the U19s reflects the strength of Barcelona’s entire football structure. The first team, under Xavi’s guidance, is also nearing success, needing just one more point to clinch the La Liga title. The senior squad’s focus now shifts to Europe, with a crucial Champions League semi-final first leg against Inter Milan scheduled for Wednesday.
Barcelona’s academy continues to produce top-level talent, reinforcing their reputation as one of the premier development hubs in world football. The future looks bright for the club as their next generation of stars continues to thrive on the biggest stages.