UAE- Real Madrid down gritty Al Ahli

4/10/2016 5:04:42 AM

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times) Real Madrid CF lived up to their reputation with a classy display of soccer against gritty Al Ahli the UAE national champions in the under 17 category on Saturday.

The emphatic 4-1 victory over the Red Knights in the Hamdan international under 17 soccer championship in Group B showed the levels the local sides belong to after two rounds of matches in the event's sixth chapter which runs till April 17 at the Dubai Police Officers' Club stadium. Entry is free with two matches slotted each day at 4.45pm and 7.30pm. The final of the eight-team championship kicks off at 6pm on April 17.

On the opening day in Group A Borussia Dortmund set aside the plucky Al Wasl lads 2-0 while Al Hilal FC (Saudi Arabia) whipped Dubai's Hatta FC 9-0.

Led by the majestic skipper and stopper Adrin de la Barquilla who scored the fourth goal with a deadly header in the 65th minute the all-whites enjoyed territorial advantage except for brief spells.

Alberto Garcia put the visitors in front in the 10th minute (1-0) with a deft right foot volley off a fine feed by Adrian Roman and this was followed by the sturdy Alberto Garcia's clever placement past Al Ahli keeper Abdulla Fairouz who had a busy day under the Red Knights' cross piece in the 20th minute (2-0).

Real went into the lemon break with a 3-0 cushion after the resourceful Inaki Rodriguez in the 45th minute weaved past three Ahli defenders before placing the ball well beyond Fairouz's reach.

Matar Al Bloushi who worked his way into the Real danger zone several times but was goal shy more often finally got his name on the scoresheet with a fine grounder from just past the spotkick area (1-4). The spadework for the goal was carried out mainly by Ammar Al Balooshi and defender Ahmed Abdulla in the 80th minute much to the relief of the home supporters.

"We have a proven side and the boys are all under 16 and they have been long with us as a single unit allowing us to groom them better. The turf here is good though I would prefer more watering on it during the maintenance period. I am happy with the technical aspects of our game and I think we will have to step up the tempo when we take on the other international sides" Real coach Tristan Rodriguez a former Spanish national player and long time Real player told Khaleej Times.

He added: "This is my first assignment abroad with the squad and the way the players have adapted to the conditions quickly despite the heat is something appreciable. I hope they maintain this later on."

Al Ahli coach Salah Ali bin Marhoon said: "Glad with the end result of 1-4 against Real. No doubt an achievement and we had our moments which as you is due to the lack of confidence at this level against a Euro giant like Real Madrid."

Moni Mathews Sports journalist for the past 25 years after a 12-year stint in aviation and sports management.

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