The final minutes ticked down with everything to play for. Buoyed by the equalizer, FC Utrecht's U17s played with newfound confidence. Amani was everywhere – tracking back to help snuff out Barcelona's attacks, then springing forward to spark each Utrecht move. The sun hung low but the cold was still there, casting long shadows across the pitch as the tension mounted.
Barcelona, stunned at having lost their lead, tried to wrest back control. Adama Traoré remained their primary threat, and in the 53rd minute he nearly struck again. Breaking down the right, Adama cut inside and curled a left-footed shot toward the far corner. It beat the keeper's fingertips but didn't escape the woodwork – the ball clanged off the outside of the post and bounced out. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd. Utrecht had been inches from falling behind once more.
