Leeds United U21s 2-0 OGC Nice U21s highlights: McGurk and Allen get Whites off to winning start in PL International Cup
Michael Skubala’s squad have been drawn in the eight-team Group A alongside Nice, Sparta Praha, PSV Eindhoven, Hertha Berlin, Wolves, Nottingham Forest and Blackburn Rovers’ youngsters.
The competition was introduced in 2014 to provide players in Category One academies across England with the opportunity to play against other elite European footballers within the same age group in a competitive environment.
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Hide AdThis is the first year Leeds have entered the competition, and only the second edition since the coronavirus pandemic curtailed the tournament in 2019/20.
Twenty-four teams enter at the group stage, separated into three lots of eight. Teams finishing first or second in their respective groups automatically qualify for the quarter-final, while the two best third-placed sides also make up the last eight of the competition.
All fixtures are hosted in England, meaning Leeds are the home side for each of their four outings against the foreign opposition they will face during the group stage.
Leeds’ youngsters have been in good form this season, winning three of their opening five Premier League 2 fixtures, in the new 26-team, single-tiered PL2 division.
Build-up, team news, goal and score updates and live coverage here throughout the evening. Tonight’s fixture takes place at Elland Road and kicks off at 7pm.
Leeds United U21s 2-0 OGC Nice U21s LIVE
FT: Leeds 2-0 Nice
Visitors not at the races. Leeds lacked a cutting edge for large parts but dominated the ball and made sure Nice were second best. A deserved win on the balance of play. Goals from Allen and McGurk. Bon voyage.
GOOOOOOOOOALLLL! 2-0 McGurk
85’ A sniff of offside but it’s going to count. Thomas and Allen with the one-two down the right. Allen speeds away from his man and sends a lovely daisy-cutter into McGurk’s path. He takes a touch, sets himself and hits the back of the net from 12 yards. Five goals in six now.
82’ McGurk goes down in the Nice box, knee-sliding like a rockstar under a soft challenge. Referee doesn’t buy it, awards a goal kick. Good work to get Leeds up the pitch by Luca Thomas.
GOOOOOALLLL! 1-0 Allen
72’ Boudache plays a loose pass across the edge of Nice’s penalty area which Bate picks up. A bit of a faux pas. Bate plays right to Allen whose shot is low and stings the ‘keeper’s hands. Thomas closes in under pressure and can’t reach the parry, but Allen is on hand to score from a tight angle.
This game needs a goal
70’ Boudache fouls McGurk on the edge of Nice’s penalty area. Shooting range.
McGurk lays it off to Allen, whose attempts is high and wide.