AC Milan crowned UEFA Youth League champions

Rossoneri overcome Benfica in penalty shootout

Colombo scores winning spot-kick as AC Milan lift first Youth League title

AC Milan have been crowned UEFA Youth League champions after overcoming Benfica on penalties in the final in Nyon.

The Rossoneri missed their first two spot-kicks, but Benfica also missed two of their first three, and after the teams traded successful penalties, Lorenzo Colombo stepped up to score the winning spot-kick and seal a 4-3 shootout victory.

It was a cruel end for Benfica, who had seen more of the ball and created the better chances during the 90 minutes, but Milan goalkeeper Andreas Jungdal made a string of fine saves to keep his team in the game.

Milan, meanwhile, were clinical in front of goal, with Marko Lazetic scoring the only goal of the game in the first half.

The victory is AC Milan's first UEFA Youth League title, and it is a major achievement for the club's academy.

The Rossoneri have a long history of producing talented young players, and this victory is a testament to the quality of their youth development system.

AC Milan will now be hoping that some of the players who starred in this Youth League triumph can go on to make a similar impact for the first team in the years to come.

Match summary

AC Milan took the lead in the 24th minute when Lazetic pounced on a loose ball in the Benfica penalty area and fired home.

Benfica pressed for an equaliser, but they were unable to find a way past Jungdal, who made a string of fine saves to keep his team in front.

The Portuguese side thought they had equalised in the 89th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Milan held on to secure the victory and lift the UEFA Youth League trophy for the first time.

Reaction

"It's an incredible feeling," said Milan captain Tommaso Pobega. "We've worked so hard for this all season, and to finally achieve it is amazing."

"We knew Benfica would be a tough opponent, but we were confident in our ability to win," added Lazetic.

"This is a special moment for all of us, and we're going to enjoy it," said Milan coach Federico Giunti.