Santi Cazorla in action against UCD in July 2011
On 15 July 2011 UCD found themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight after a damaging defeat away to Dundalk – but one day later – they were worlds away from that reality.
The following day saw the Students welcome Villareal to the UCD Bowl – and inflict a shock friendly defeat on Santi Cazorla, Capdevilla and Marcos Senna s Villarreal.
Add Nilmar, Cani, Diego Lopez and Carlos Marchena to that list – a UCD side scored four that day after drawing a blank at Oriel Park.
extratime.com tells the story behind one of the finest friendly victories in League of Ireland history by talking to those involved as UCD became the talk of Ireland - after they stunned one of Europe s footballing elite.
Eoin Hand, Ciaran Kilduff and Paul Doolin on the task facing Stephen Kenny. By Paul Fennessy Sunday 4 Apr 2021, 7:00 AM 4 hours ago 10,672 Views 9 Comments
HE CAME IN with a bold new style of play that long-time watchers of the Irish team were unaccustomed to.
A vocal minority of supporters had been against his appointment from the outset, suspicious of the footballing culture from which he emerged.
He made some controversial selection calls, leaving out big-name stars in favour of younger, less experienced players.
After a number of disappointing early results, including in vital qualifiers, his teams were branded ‘unwatchable’.
His name was Jack Charlton.