New Delhi: Aston Villa’s Under-21 team etched their names into the record books on Tuesday night after defeating Blackpool 18-17 in a penalty shootout marathon during the second round of the EFL Trophy. The epic contest, played at Bloomfield Road, saw a total of 38 penalties taken, breaking the record for the longest shootout in English professional football history.
The drama unfolded after the match ended 1-1 in regulation time. While the goals scored during the game are now almost a footnote in the night’s story, they laid the foundation for what would become a truly historic shootout. Blackpool’s Elliot Embleton opened the scoring less than a minute into the second half, only for Villa’s 18-year-old Jamaldeen Jimoh-Aloba to level the score and keep the contest alive.
The shootout began in standard fashion, with Kane Taylor confidently converting Villa’s first penalty. However, it soon turned into an extraordinary display of nerve and resilience as neither team could establish a decisive advantage. Blackpool’s Albie Morgan missed his side’s second attempt, while Villa’s Aidan Borland had his spot-kick saved by Tangerines goalkeeper Richard O’Donnell, ensuring the shootout stretched on.
EVERY spot-kick from our record-breaking 18-17 penalty shootout victory over Blackpool in the @VertuTrophy 🤯 pic.twitter.com/qzY71TJwFc
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 18, 2024
What followed was a marathon exchange of successful penalties, with outfield players and goalkeepers alike stepping up under immense pressure. After 33 consecutive penalties beyond the initial five each, the game was finally decided in heartbreaking fashion for Blackpool. Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel, who had scored earlier in the shootout, hit the post on his second attempt, sealing Aston Villa’s progression to the next round.
Speaking after the match, Blackpool manager Steve Bruce, a former Aston Villa boss, expressed disbelief at what he had witnessed. “I’ve been involved in a few of these, but I’ve never seen it go to 18-17,” he said. Reflecting on the loss, he added, “We should have had enough experience to see them off, and we haven’t.”
The shootout’s length not only set a record in professional English football but also provided a stark contrast to the current overall English record held by non-league sides Washington and Bedlington, who participated in a 54-penalty shootout in 2022. This shootout broke the English record set back in September of this year when Preston North End defeated Fulham 16-15 in the Carabao Cup after a combined 34 spot kicks.
Villa’s Journey Continues
Next up in the @VertuTrophy: Bradford City 🗓️ pic.twitter.com/fvESX4ZaWr
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) December 17, 2024
The dramatic victory ensures Aston Villa’s Under-21s remain the last academy side still in the competition. Their next challenge will be against League Two side Bradford City in the last 16, with the young Villans hoping to replicate their resilience and composure against more senior opposition. The match also highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the Vertu Trophy, a competition that has seen its fair share of high-stakes drama.
While Villa’s youngsters set the English record, the world record for longest shootout is still far away with that being set at 56 penalties during an Israeli promotion play-off game between SC Dimona and Shimshon Tel Aviv in May 2024. For Aston Villa’s youngsters, this historic night serves as a testament to their mental fortitude and determination. They will undoubtedly carry the experience forward as they aim for further success in the tournament.
Premier League club Aston Villa’s U21 side created history in their penalty shootout win over Blackpool as they advanced to the next round of the EFL Trophy. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
