Tournament recap
The 2025 edition of the Ascale LaLiga FC Futures National Tournament unfolded at the sleek Estadio de la Cerámica, Villarreal’s home ground. While the venue suggested a home‑advantage storyline for Villarreal CF, the drama belonged to Espanyol. The Catalan side edged past Sevilla FC in a nerve‑wracking penalty shootout to win the title.
Both finalists fought hard through regular time and extra time, but neither could break the deadlock. When the spot‑kick round began, Espanyol’s composure shone through, ultimately sealing a 5‑4 victory. The win handed the club its third Futures championship, adding a fresh chapter to its youth development legacy.
Sevilla FC, despite the loss, showcased a promising crop of youngsters who will likely break into first‑team action soon. Meanwhile, Valencia CF and Real Madrid rounded out the top four, each finishing strongly in the third‑place play‑off and the consolation match respectively.
Beyond the team triumphs, individual accolades sparked talk among scouts. Gorka Cantín emerged as both joint top scorer and tournament MVP, a rare double that underscored his attacking flair. On the defensive end, Martí Rey earned the best goalkeeper award, making crucial saves that kept Espanyol in contention throughout the competition.
The tournament also highlighted the growing importance of the FC Futures platform in Spanish football. By gathering the nation’s top youth talent in a competitive setting, clubs can benchmark their academies and give young players a taste of high‑pressure matches.
While Villarreal CF didn’t lift the cup, hosting the event reinforced the stadium’s reputation as a modern venue capable of staging major youth tournaments. The club’s youth side will look to build on the experience and aim for a stronger finish next season.
