Fixtures

DateRHome vs Away-
04/19 17:00 2 Olympiakos U19 vs Nantes U19 View
04/19 17:00 2 FC Porto U19 vs AC Milan U19 View

Results

Date R Home vs Away -
03/13 17:00 3 Mainz U19 vs FC Porto U19 1-4
03/13 15:00 3 AC Milan U19 vs Real Madrid U19 5-4
03/12 17:00 3 Nantes U19 vs FC Copenhagen U19 8-7
03/12 15:00 3 Bayern Munich U19 vs Olympiakos U19 1-3
02/28 17:00 4 [1] Real Madrid U19 vs RB Leipzig U19 [2] 2-0
02/28 15:00 4 [2] Bayern Munich U19 vs Feyenoord U19 [1] 3-2
02/28 14:00 4 FC Salzburg U19 vs Nantes U19 0-1
02/28 13:30 4 [1] AC Milan U19 vs Braga U19 [2] 6-4
02/28 13:00 4 Olympiakos U19 vs Lens U19 6-4
02/27 17:00 4 Mainz U19 vs Man City U19 2-1
02/27 15:30 4 MSK Zilina U19 vs FC Copenhagen U19 3-5
02/27 15:00 4 AZ U19 vs FC Porto U19 4-5

Wikipedia - UEFA Youth League

The UEFA Youth League is an annual club football competition organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) since 2013. In its current format, it is contested by the youth teams of the clubs competing in the UEFA Champions League group stage, plus the domestic youth champions of the best-ranked national associations.

The semi-finals and final matches have been traditionally played at the Colovray Stadium in Nyon, Switzerland, although for the 2022–23 edition, they were moved to the Stade de Genève due to increased interest in the tournament from the supporters of the participating clubs. The winners are awarded the Lennart Johansson Trophy, named in honour of the former UEFA president.

The most successful teams are Barcelona and Chelsea, with two titles each. Chelsea won back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016, while Barcelona won the inaugural season of the competition and clinched their second trophy in 2018. The current champions are Dutch side AZ, who beat Hajduk Split 5–0 in the 2023 final.

History

In May 2010, UEFA organised a match, referred to as the "UEFA Under-18 Challenge", between the under-18 teams of Bayern Munich and Internazionale, three days prior to the UEFA Champions League Final between the respective senior sides. Internazionale won the match 2–0 with two goals from Denis Alibec. The match was part of "UEFA Grassroots Day", and acted as an inspiration for the UEFA Youth League.

The teams in the first tournament, 2013–14 UEFA Youth League, played a group stage with the same composition and calendar as the 2013–14 UEFA Champions League group stage, and was held on a 'trial basis'.

The eight group-winners and eight runners-up from group stage then participated in a knockout phase. Unlike the UEFA Champions League, the knockout phase had single-leg ties, with the semi-finals and final played at neutral venues.

British media commented that the competition was formed to displace the NextGen Series.

In April 2014, Barcelona became the first champion, beating Benfica by 3–0 in the final-four held in Nyon.

After a two-year trial period, the UEFA Youth League became a permanent UEFA competition starting from the 2015–16 season, with the tournament expanded from 32 to 64 teams to allow the youth domestic champions of the top 32 associations according to their UEFA country coefficients to also participate. The 32 UEFA Champions League group stage youth teams retain the group stage format, with the group winners advancing to the round of 16 and the runners-up advancing to the play-offs. The 32 youth domestic champions play two rounds of two-legged ties, with the eight winners advancing to the play-offs, where they play a single match at home against the Champions League path runners-up. The round of 16 onwards retain the same format of single-leg ties as before.

From the 2024-25 season onwards, the format of the UEFA Youth League will change to accommodate the changes to be seen in the UEFA Champions League, with some differences:

  • The new 36 team group stage for the Champions League path will only mirror the first 6 matchdays of the senior competition, with the top 22 teams making the knockout stage
  • The domestic champions path will be expanded to three rounds, with the remaining 10 clubs facing the teams ranked 7th to 16th in the group stage (The top 6 from the Champions League path will face the teams ranked 17th to 22nd)
  • The Youth League champions from the previous season qualify for the domestic champions path unless their senior team makes the Champions League group stage, in which case they will participate in the Champions League path
The UEFA Youth League is an exhilarating and highly anticipated soccer tournament that showcases the immense talent and potential of young footballers from across Europe. Organized by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), this prestigious competition serves as a platform for the next generation of football stars to shine on the international stage.

The tournament features the youth teams of top European clubs, including those participating in the UEFA Champions League. It provides a unique opportunity for these talented players, aged 16 to 19, to gain invaluable experience and exposure, as they compete against their peers from different countries.

The UEFA Youth League follows a similar format to the senior UEFA Champions League, with teams divided into groups for the initial stage. The group matches are fiercely contested, as each team strives to secure a place in the knockout rounds. The intensity and passion displayed by these young players are a testament to their dedication and determination to succeed.

As the tournament progresses, the level of competition reaches new heights, with the knockout stages showcasing thrilling matches and incredible displays of skill. The young footballers demonstrate their technical prowess, tactical understanding, and ability to handle pressure, captivating fans and scouts alike.

The UEFA Youth League not only provides a platform for young players to showcase their abilities but also offers a glimpse into the future of European football. Many of the participants in this tournament have gone on to become household names in the sport, making their mark in top-tier leagues and even representing their national teams.

Beyond the on-field action, the UEFA Youth League also promotes fair play, respect, and sportsmanship among the players. It encourages camaraderie and fosters a sense of unity among the youth teams, as they compete with a shared passion for the beautiful game.

With its electrifying atmosphere, high-stakes matches, and the promise of witnessing the stars of tomorrow, the UEFA Youth League is a must-watch tournament for football enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder of the immense talent and potential that lies within the youth ranks of European football, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the future of the sport.