There was heartbreak for Rangers U16s on Saturday afternoon, as they lost in the final of the Istria Youth Cup in Croatia.
The Young Gers had earned a spot in the decider courtesy of a flawless group stage showing earlier this week.
They defeated Benfica 3-0 on Tuesday, LA Galaxy 3-2 on Wednesday and Udinese 4-2 on Thursday to top Pool A.
Robbie Ure, Dire Mebude and Mackenzie Strachan were amongst the goalscorers in those games.
However, after having a day off on Friday, the final would prove a bridge too far.
Impressive Austrian side Red Bull Salzburg triumphed 4-0.
It’s a disappointing end to another encouraging showing from this age group, in a competition that’s been dubbed the ‘Future Champions League’ due to the quality of the sides participating [Croatia.hr]
Given that the U16s have already won the SuperCupNI and the Albim Cup, though, it’s still been an incredible start to the campaign.
To put things further into perspective, by coming runners-up, the Gers also bettered the likes of Arsenal, Dinamo Zagreb and Slavia Prague.
The squad will need to pick themselves up ahead of a return to League action against Aberdeen on Wednesday.
