This was a match that combined all the best qualities of youth football and the plus points of continental competition.
It ebbed and flowed compellingly and with neither side able to assert dominance at any point, it hung thrillingly in the balance right until the final whistle.
In the end, Tottenham Hotspur’s next generation had greater staying power than Real Madrid’s in this fine advert for the UEFA Youth League. They had the more clinical touch as well.
More specifically, Kazaiah Sterling had the clinical touch, for it was his assured finish from a neat Marcus Edwards through pass eight minutes from time that won it for Spurs.