Aston Villa's Under-21 squad delivered a stunning performance in the Vertu Trophy on Tuesday evening, triumphing over Blackpool in a gripping encounter at Bloomfield Road. The match, which pitted Villa's academy side against a senior League One team managed by former Villa boss Steve Bruce, was notable not only for the victory but also for the extraordinary circumstances that unfolded.
The contest was fiercely competitive, with both teams managing to find the net once, leading to a penalty shootout to determine the winner, as is customary in knockout rounds of the EFL Trophy. What transpired next was unprecedented; a remarkable total of 38 penalties were taken before Villa secured an 18-17 victory.
The shootout proved to be an extensive and nerve-wracking affair, with both goalkeepers stepping up to take penalties—a rarity in such high-pressure situations. Each outfield player was called upon to take multiple attempts, underscoring the immense stakes and pressure that accompanied the moment.
The decisive moment came after a series of missed penalties. Albie Morgan from Blackpool failed to convert his team’s second penalty, but Villa's Aidan Borland mirrored that miss shortly thereafter. Both players redeemed themselves on their subsequent attempts, but it was Jordan Gabriel's critical miss for Blackpool that ultimately sealed the fate of the contest.
This shootout has now set a new record for the most penalties ever taken in a shootout in English professional football, surpassing the previous record of 34 penalties established earlier in the season during a match between Preston North End and Fulham.
The match kicked off at 19:00 GMT, and Blackpool's official social media account confirmed the final result nearly two and a half hours later, highlighting the marathon nature of the contest. FourFourTwo awarded Jordan Gabriel the title of Man of the Match, noting that his decisive miss was pivotal, suggesting that without it, both teams might still be engaged in a battle for resolution on the pitch.
While EFL Trophy matches are not typically celebrated for their drama, this record-setting shootout provided an unforgettable twist, leaving fans with a unique experience—albeit one that tested their patience throughout the lengthy contest. Aston Villa's Under-21s can take great pride in their achievement, showcasing the depth of talent within the club's academy.