Maccabi Haifa U16 1 - 0 Malaga U16

The second UMBRO Galway Cup Elite 1997 game of the day saw Isreal's Maccabi Haifi up against Malaga. The Spaniards started slightly the brighter, winning a couple of early corners.

However, it wasn't long before the bigger and stronger Haifi side began to assert their dominance, particularly in midfield. The lively Cohen Omer Haim was sought to create at every opportunity; a clever through ball had slightly too much power behind it before an inch perfect cross was headed wide by Zenati Amit.

Malaga goalkeeper Samuel Casado Condre produced a fine save shortly after, tipping Awwed Mahammad's close range effort around the post. He could do nothing minutes later, however, as a ball swung in from the right was met by the head of Amit who placed it perfectly in the corner. It remained 1-0 until the break with neither side really threatening to add any more.

Haifa began to turn the screw after the interval, controlling the opening exchanges. A free kick from Cohen Yam was fumbled by Casado but the Isrealis were unable to turn the ball home. There then followed chances for Mahammad and Fedida Saar, who shot wide and at the 'keeper respectively.

Malaga battled gamely for the last 10 minutes in an effort to get back into the tie, with Artur Segado forcing a save from Rubinov Idan. In the end though, Haifi deserved their win. They now advance to tomorrow's Elite Cup semi final.