Spain’s Under-15 national team booked a place in the tournament’s Round of 16 after defeating Wales 1-1 and prevailing in a tense penalty shootout at the Hovsan Sports Complex in Baku, Azerbaijan. as.com reported that goalkeeper Danel Castro saved two penalties to seal the qualification, setting up a knockout fixture against Ecuador.

The match turned on a series of decisive moments in both regulation time and the ensuing shootout. Wales opened the scoring in the 14th minute through Eley before Spain captain Alberto Ruiz equalized in the 40th minute, collecting a loose ball at the edge of the box and firing a precise left-footed shot past goalkeeper Cherifi.

Castro Saves Penalties After Detailed Preparation

With the score level at the final whistle, the match advanced to a penalty shootout where Castro took center stage. The Real Betis academy goalkeeper stopped Wales’ first and fourth attempts while correctly guessing the direction of their second shot. According to as.com, that success stemmed from detailed preparation alongside fellow goalkeeper Leo Rico and goalkeeper coach Juan Carlos Arévalo.

Castro, a native of Cáceres who has played alongside international teammate Tiago Polo since childhood, models his game after Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. His first name originates from Basque, where the accent falls on the final vowel.

On-Field Tension and Post-Match Confrontation

The fixture featured sustained physicality and gamesmanship from the Welsh side, which deployed deliberate pacing tactics to disrupt Spain’s rhythm. Under the direction of head coach David Gordo, the Spanish squad maintained its discipline throughout regulation before a post-match incident flared near the pitch.

As.com reported that following the final whistle, Welsh player Sergeant Moreno confronted Mikel López, prompting a large-scale scuffle that required parents in attendance to physically restrain a member of the Welsh delegation from entering the playing field.

Match Details and Lineups

Spain lined up with Rico in goal; a defensive block of Bielsa, Castellanos, and Bernal; midfielders R. Pérez, Fernández, and A. Ruiz; and López up front. The bench featured Castro, Mosquera, Barbany, Oliva, Polo, and Ijiofor. Wales deployed Cherifi; Moreno, Saxon, and Evans; Janota and Gregson; with Eley and Anchors completing the starting selection. Substitutes for Wales included Folley, Whitehead, Jennings, Rogerson, Harding, and Jeremy.

Knockout Schedule Against Ecuador

Having cleared the group stage hurdle, David Gordo’s squad turns its preparation immediately toward the Round of 16. Spain faces Ecuador on Wednesday at 17:45 local Spanish time at the Hovsan Sports Complex pitch 9B.