The Madrid Inter7s Iberian Cup

The Iberian Cup 2019 was played in Madrid. Thanks to Inter7s, it was possible for me to assist with this event at the "La Chopera" football pitch, a pitch situated in the center of Madrid, and to be more precise, in the green heart of the biggest park in the capital, El Retiro.

This year the two winning teams of the Champions League in Dublin (Hilltown Bhoys and Greyhound) were the special guests of the Iberian Cup. The other teams that took part in the event were: 1-2 Pawa, Sandymount Hotel and Harding OB’s.

With five teams, the tournament was structured in two different parts: the group stage and the knockout phase. In the first part of the tournament, each team played once against all the other teams. During this phase, the matches were fair, skillful and even.

Unfortunately, just four teams went to the knockout phase. 12 Pawa remained outside of the competition, but they very unlucky and having no subs eventually played it's part in them running out of steam in the final two games.  

Group Table
Sandymount Hotel: 8 points 

Hilltown Bhoys: 7 points 

Greyhound: 4 points 

Harding OB’s: 4 points 

12 Pawa: 3 points 

The final part of the tournament was ready to start. The tension was higher than the group stage, especially in the semifinal between Greyhound and Hilltown Bhoys, where the match needed to have the Inter7s golden goal in extra time. In the end, Hilltown Bhoys won 1-0. The other semifinal was very well played from both teams, but in the last few minutes of the match Sandymount scored two quick goals and the final result was Sandymount Hotel 3 - 0 Harding OB’s.

We had the final Sandymount Hotel vs. Hilltown Bhoys, but also the consolation final Harding OB’s vs. Greyhound. The consolation final was played with less intensity, but it was an interesting match to watch because there were great goals and the final result was 6 – 5 for Greyhound.

In the Final the teams were at the top of their game and were mentally well prepared. The match was tough but clean, teams have different ways of playing, but both ways were profitable because the final result was 2 - 2. We needed extra time to decide the winner. Both teams played with a lot of  technical flair, but in the end, Sandymount Hotel, with a spectacular goal, won the final: 3 – 2. 

After the tournament all teams met and had a great celebration meal. Some of the spectators said that Sandymount deserved the victory because they really wanted to win and it was visible.  Congratulations to all the teams and let’s be ready for the next amazing Iberian Cup 2020!

Words by Luca