SEASON 4 PIONEERS CUP
Bordeaux collect their second cup triumph, becoming the first club to have a duplicate of a trophy in Pioneers!
A closer Final is still to be witnessed in this championship after the clash between Kevin Trapp's Girondins de Bordeaux and Royal Antwerp of Marcelo Bielsa. Both fought tooth and nail for a result in a full packed Old Trafford.
A bold Marine received the caucious Great Olds, and the receded
defensive lines held the French at bay. Konrad Laimer was assisted by the beast
Rafael Leão in the first goal of the match at the 30', but it was
undone immediately after Lisandro Martinez's powerfull strike. The first
half result remained unchanged throughout the second.
The match ended in an even 1-1 draw, and was followed by the penalty shootout. Each kick was a goal, as Benzema and Neymar managed to clear their conscience, but Laimer was again the hero and sent the keeper the wrong way after Martin Odegaard's unfortunate miss. Old Trafford's atmosphere was surreal as the Blue's fans dominated its stands instead of its usual red.
Hearts of Oak had once again an impressive campaign, reaching the Quarter-Finals and losing to the eventual Cup holders. Alongside, Sheffield Wednesday lost to their countrymen of Aston Villa, as Flamengo reached new heights with new Portuguese gaffer Nuno Marques.
Rosario Central are having a memorable season as well, having reached the Semi-Finals while fighting for promotion to the top tier. Guilherme Pedro was the top goal scorer, alongside Kang Lee from Le Havre, who were knocked out in the last 16, with 4 goals to their names.
Orgryte's fans now have high expectations for the future, with the ressurgent League 3 side having once again reached the round of 16, a feat shadowed only by League 4's Hong Kong, who are reborn under a new manager and are currently fighting for an automatic promotion spot.
Never a dull competition, congratulations to Kevin for the title and for all the other who reached this far in such a demanding competition.
-António (Tom Whittaker), 2023-04-09
