Athletic Juvenil A Will Miss Out On Next Year’s UEFA Youth League If The Season Isn’t Completed
Athletic’s Juvenil A team has enjoyed a very impressive season (ZF)
Athletic’s Juvenil A side has arguably been the strongest team in Spain this season at the División de Honor Juvenil level. Led by starlets such as Nico Serrano, Nico Williams, Kepa Uriarte, and Adrián Trespalacios, the Kumeak boasted a 9 point lead over Real Sociedad in the table with just five games left before the season was put on hold. Unfortunately, Imanol de la Sota’s team likely won’t receive the reward for such a stellar campaign.
Had the season continued as usual, Athletic would have won the league title and earned a place in the Copa del Campeones along with the six other league champions and the runner up with the most points. Given the quality of the squad, Athletic would have been one of the favorites to win the Cup and book their place in next season’s UEFA Youth League which also includes the Juvenil A team from La Liga’s four clubs that qualify for the Champions League.
If the Juvenil A season and Cup isn’t completed, which is the expectation, the fifth UEFA Youth League spot would go to the team with the highest coefficient according to a report from La Cantera de Lezama. In this case, that would be Celta de Vigo who currently hold a five point lead over Sporting Gijón in their league table.
Missing out on the UEFA Youth League and Copa del Campeones will be a big disappointment for a team that has enjoyed such an impressive season. The government will allow non-professional football teams to resume basic training on 26 May but the return of the season will be determined by the Spanish Football Federation.