The second matchday of the Otten Innovation Cup delivered plenty of spectacle, goals, and drama. Hosts PSV and Atlético Madrid lived up to their status as favourites and convincingly secured a place in the semifinals, where they will face AS Monaco and Club Brugge respectively.
PSV too strong for RB Leipzig
PSV wasted no time this morning. After their strong opening win against Benfica, they brushed aside RB Leipzig with a resounding 5-0 victory. That result secured the hosts a semifinal spot after just two group matches. In the other Group A clash, Club Brugge and Benfica battled to a 1-1 draw, a result that kept the Belgians on course for the knockouts.
Heated battle in Group B
Tensions ran high when Atlético Madrid met AS Monaco. In a fiery duel filled with cards, protests, and a penalty, Atlético edged out a 2-1 win. That result piled the pressure on Chelsea and Jeonbuk, but the English side kept their composure and struck late to seal a 2-0 win.
All to play for in the Final Round
With all teams still in contention, the final group stage games promised fireworks. Benfica needed a big win and nearly got it, beating Leipzig 3-1. It wasn’t enough, though, as PSV and Club Brugge cancelled each other out in a goalless draw. PSV topped the group, while Brugge advanced as runners-up.
In Group B, Atlético showed why they are one of the tournament favorites, comfortably dispatching Chelsea, who dropped into the placement round. Monaco made the most of the opportunity, defeating Jeonbuk to secure the second semifinal ticket.
Semifinals on Sunday
Tomorrow’s schedule promises excitement: PSV vs AS Monaco on the main pitch and Atlético Madrid vs Club Brugge on Field 1. Meanwhile, Leipzig face Chelsea and Benfica take on Jeonbuk in the classification matches for fifth to eighth place.
The tension is rising: which young talents will seize their chance in the semifinals of the 75th Otten Innovation Cup?