FC Barcelona's U12 team are into the LaLiga Promises semifinals

FC Barcelona’s Under-12 team got off to a fantastic start in the LaLiga Promises Tournament, being held at Villarreal this weekend.

Marc Serra’s team brushed aside any jitters they may have had on Day 1, beginning with a pair of 1-0 wins over both Deportivo La Coruña and Sevilla.

Barça, the reigning champions of this tournament, came out with their minds set of defending last year’s championship.

Alexis scored a second half goal in the first game against Deportivo to hand Barça a 1–0 triumph.

The second game against Sevilla was a challenge in its own right, but a lone goal by Héctor Fort in the opening minutes — a goal with all the hallmarks of the Barça style — was enough to carry Barça to victory. The goal, combined with the stellar play of goalkeeper Gerard, were among the big keys to helping Barça qualify for the last 16.

Barça then faced Real Sociedad, and three goals from Marc Guiu, Iván and Jas Quiles without reply, saw the youngsters approach their final game of the day against Celta with real confidence.

The Galician's couldn't get a foothold in a game Barça controlled from beginning to end. Iván's goal after some fine work from Arnau Pradas saw the third 1-0 victory of the day, and a 100 percent record.

Alavés were their next opponents on Saturday morning, and once again Barça kept a clean sheet. Jan Quiles' goal from outside of the area came after a 10-pass move, with Iván's second securing a quarterfinal berth against Sevilla on Saturday afternoon.

The Andalusians proved to be tough opponents again, and took the lead in a tense quarterfinal. Marc Guiu levelled things up for Barça, and both sides had chances to win the match in normal time, before the referee blew the whistle for the end of the game.

Penalties to decide who qualified for the semifinals went the way of Barça (4-3). Jan Quiles, Marc Guiu, Ianis and Àlex Dominguez all scored for the Blaugrana, but the hero was keeper, Gerard Curto, who saved the last Sevilla penalty. Barça will now face Deportivo in the semifinals.