Argentina under-16s crowned Copa UC champions in Chile | OneFootball

The Argentine team defeated the local team 2-1 and claimed the UC Cup, organized by the Universidad Católica.

The Argentine Under-16 National Team defeated Chile 2-1 and claimed the UC Cup, an Under-17 friendly tournament organized by the Universidad Católica.

The team, led by Facundo Quiroga, who is part of Diego Placente's coaching staff, had already defeated the Chileans in the group stage with a decisive 4-1.

The National Team took the lead with a goal from Giovanni Baroni at the 14th minute of the first half, and the same Talleres de Córdoba player increased the score four minutes later.

At the 20th minute of the same initial stage, Chile scored through Lucas López; Argentina played most of the second half with one player less due to the expulsion of Ulises Vallejo but managed to maintain the lead and become champions.

The Under-16 National Team reached the final by drawing 1-1 against Peru and defeating them 6-5 on penalties. Argentina had started behind on the scoreboard with a header into an empty net by Roberth La Madrid, following a rebound inside the area before the 20th minute of the first half; however, at the start of the second half, Alan Alcaraz capitalized on an assist from the back by Benjamín Vallejo with the defense out of position to beat the goalkeeper and score the equalizer.

Later, the evening heated up with a hard foul by the Peruvian Díaz that sparked fights and shoving, resulting in the expulsion of his teammate Sandro Cometivos.

In the penalty shootout, the Albiceleste started off missing, but goalkeeper Thiago Parga saved two, the decisive one against Rodrigo Vega. Before that, Alcaraz impressively scored his shot with a no-look.

Thus, Argentina advanced to the final, where they defeated Chile 2-1 on Saturday. The third place went to Peru, who beat Colombia 1-0, while Independiente del Valle finished fifth.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.