Sporting centre back Meré had two cracks at goal in the 14th minute of tonight’s U19 European final. His initial header was saved at point blank range by the Russian keeper Mitryuskin. The rebound fell kindly for Meré, who seemed to shoulder the ball back towards goal. It looked to have crossed the line before the keeper pushed it back out but Anthony Taylor, the English referee, waved play on and deemed that the ball had not completely crossed the line.
After sustained and heavy pressure, Spain finally took the lead in the 39th minute through Real Madrid’s Borja Mayoral.