News
VIE 30.12.2016
The curtain closed on the 21st edition of the LaLiga Promises International Tournament in spectacular fashion following three fantastic days. FC Barcelona were crowned champions for the sixth time after a thrilling 6-1 triumph over Atletico Madrid in the final at Puerto de la Cruz's Estadio Municipal El Peñon, which provided a grandstand conclusion to a hugely successful event in which the spotlight shone brightly on the stars of the future from LaLiga clubs and beyond.
Exquisite football is one of the hallmarks of this competition, which knows no bounds, and this was in evidence once again throughout this edition, in which Spanish representatives Barcelona, Atletico, Real Madrid, Villarreal CF, R. Sporting, Real Betis, Valencia CF and Sevilla FC were joined by an international contingent comprising Juventus FC, Borussia Dortmund, Paris Saint-Germain and Middlesbrough FC.
Besides their undeniable talent, the youngsters involved showcased the values that characterise the tournament, namely camaraderie and fair play. Their efforts once again captured the imagination of a sizeable audience, with the stadium packed out for the full three days and viewers tuning in to watch the action in more than 15 countries.
The fare served up was of the highest quality, and fun and surprises were also in steady supply, including during the exhibition match that served as an appetiser ahead of the big final. This saw LaLiga ambassadors Kiko and Christian Karembeu pull on their boots again to lead the LaLiga Promises All-Star team against a combined Tenerife XI captained by former players Pier and Sandro.
The proceedings were rounded off in style with the prize ceremony. Barça lifted their freshly conquered trophy and predictably several of their starlets also gained individual recognition, headed by captain Adria Capdevila, who was named the Player of the Tournament. "I dedicate this award to my family, to the great players here and to all my teammates who weren't part of the squad this time," the midfielder said.
The goalkeeping gong went to Villarreal shotstopper Sergi Torner, whose saves played a key role in his side's run to the quarter-finals. Meanwhile, Barcelona pair Xavi Planas and Toni Caravaca shared the goalscoring prize with Atletico's Alejandro Garnacho, after all three ended up with four goals.
Last but not least, Sporting's Jose Luis Rodriguez was named the Coach of the Tournament. "I'd gladly swap this trophy for having got to the final, but it's the kids' excitement that will stay with me," he said aptly, summing up the significance of a competition that represents the very essence of football.
© LALIGA - 2016