Stuttgart U19s 1-2 FC Barcelona U19s: A semi-final place booked

The FC Barcelona U19s have reached the final stages of the UEFA Youth League after a thrilling 2-1 over Stuttgart in Germany book a place in the semi-finals in Switzerland on 25 April with a possible final to come three days later on 28 April. Goals from Arnau Pradas and Jan Virgili gave Juliano Belletti's team a comeback win that sees them into the last four of the competition for the first time in six years. 

In the very first minute Barça showed their intentions with a chance for Hugo Alba that went close. The blaugranes dominated possession whilst the home side looked to use the counter attack to force their way ahead. 

Comeback win 

Stuttgart were the first to strike in the Stadion auf der Waldau. Tsigkas found the net just before the half hour mark to give the Germans the lead. Chances came for Barça but keeper Hellstern made a telling contribution to keep his side in front. 

However, with half time approaching Belletti's side were level. Arnau Pradas grabbed the equaliser in the 40th minute to leave the game all square at the break. 

In the second half Jan Virgili put Barça 2-1 ahead on 52 minutes after more good work from Quim Junyent. Blaugrana keeper Yaakobishvili then came into his own, making a series of important saves to protect Barça's lead, the most vital coming in the final minutes of the encounter. The blaugranes held on for the win to book their place in Nyon, Switzerland where they will face AZ Alkmaar or Manchester City in the semi-final on 25 April. 

MATCH STATS 

Stuttgart, 1
Barça, 2

Stuttgart: Hellstern, Azevedo, Herwerth, Korkut (Antonio Janjic, min 87), Penna, Boakye (Yanik Spalt, min 87), Migalic, Tsigkas, Agzikara, Freßle (Salvatore Mule, min 78) and Catovic (Julian Lüers, min 64)
Juvenil A: Yaakobishvili, Xavi Espart, Eman Kospo, Cuenca, Landry, Brian Fariñas, Jan Virgili (Pedro Fernández, min 92), Pedro Rodríguez (Tomás Marquéz, min 60), Hugo Alba (Juan Hernández, min 76), Quim Junyent and Arnau Pradas (Diarra, min 76)

Goals: 1-0, Tsigkas (min 29); 1-1, Arnau Pradas (min 40); 1-2, Jan Virgili (min 52)