AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2023: Looking back at India U-17's Spain tour

The Blue Cubs played six friendlies against a variety of Spanish outfits 

The India U-17 contingent is all set to commence their 2023 AFC U-17 Asian Cup campaign from the 17th of June. 

India have been drawn into a tough group, consisting of teams like Japan and Uzbekistan, who will pose as a tough roadblock in the Blue Cubs’ journey to the knockouts. 

But despite being in such a demanding group, Bibiano Fernandes and his boys will be confident of doing well in the competition, especially after a spree of incredible results that they achieved in their preparation for the AFC U-17 Asian Cup.

The youngsters played a series of high-level friendly games, against the academy players of some of the best clubs in the world, in Spain as well as in Germany. 

So today, we take a closer look into the Indian U-17’s tour in Spain, and the various games that they played.

A trip to the South West of Europe

India traveled to the capital city of Spain on the 10th of April, for almost a month-long tour in the country. The Blue Colts were to play six friendly matches against academy teams of different age groups of top Spanish professional sides.

Also, Bibiano Fernandes' side got the opportunity to make use of the top shelf facilities, that these clubs provided. “The boys are very excited to be here, training in this kind of environment and facilities. They have adapted quickly to the conditions and have been working hard, and we are getting better as a team,” exclaimed coach Bibiano.

India began their tour campaign against Atletico De Madrid U-17s, on the 19th of April.

Atletico Madrid U-17 1-4 India U-17

The India U-17s kicked off their Spanish tour against Atletico U-17 at the Alcala De Henares. From the very start of the game, Bibiano’s boys made it very clear that they were in no mood to let any doubts about quality and temperament remain. 

It only took the Blue Cubs six minutes to open the scoring, and despite Atletcio’s creative build-up play, India’s defence didn’t budge, and remained firm. 

Around the half-hour mark, India doubled their lead, and added to it just two minutes later. Atletico pulled one back in the 38th minute to make the score 3-1 before half-time. 

In the second half, India pawned off majority of Atletcio’s attacks, and once again got on the scoresheet, to complete an incredible 4-1 win over the Spanish giants.

CD Leganes U-18 2-0 India U-17

Next up, India took on the U-18 side of Spanish second division outfit CD Leganes. The Indian boys started the match on a positive note and attacked from the word go, but succumbed to a first-half counter attack by Leganes, who opened the scoring. 

The second half started with a flurry of attacks from the local side and Gonzalo found the back of the net to double the score for Leganes in the 68th minute.  

India tried their best throughout the 90, but a lack of quality in front of the goal resulted in a defeat for the Blue Cubs.

Atletico U-16 1-2 India U-17

India registered a 2-1 win against Atletico U-16 side, when the two teams locked horns on the 27th of April. 

The hosts began the match on the front foot, as India dug deep in the opening exchanges to keep the scores level. India grew in confidence as the game continued, and despite both sides creating a number of chances, the scores were level at half-time.

In the second half, India made seven substitutions, and the impact was instant. The lads scored twice inside the space of five minutes, and despite Atletico clinching one back, the visitors ran away with a slender win.

Real Madrid U-17 3-3 India U-17

In what was to be India U-17’s toughest game in the Spanish tour, the Blue Cubs were to take on the U-17 team of Real Madrid.

Madrid took the lead in the 37th minute through Arevalo, but India only took a minute to level the score when Shashwat Panwar found the back of the net. 

Just three minutes into the second half, India surged into the lead, only to see Real strike back twice in the 52nd and 69th minute, to make the scoreline 3-2 in favour of the hosts.

India dreaded and fought for an equalizer, and eventually found it in the 90th minute of the game, courtesy of Thanglalsoun Gangte. 

Getafe CF U-18 3-1 India U-17

India crumbled to a 3-1 defeat against Getafe on the 10th of May. All the goals came in the first half, as India’s early lead got tainted by two quick goals by Getafe to make it 2-1. 

Later, an own goal by India around the 40th minute mark made it 3-1, and despite all efforts in the second half, it was a disappointing day in the office for the Blue Cubs.

Atletico Madrid 4-0 India U17

India brought a frustrating end to their Spain tour, as they succumbed to a 0-4 defeat to the hands of Atletico’s U-18 side. The first half began on an even note as both teams tried to assert their superiority in the midfield. But it was Atletico, who slowly gained the upper hand. 

The Spanish giants scored twice late in the first half, which was followed by two early second half goals. 

India made a number of substitutions, and had an impactful display, but missed a few good chances, as they bid adieu to their incredible month-long tour in Spain.