The UEFA Youth League allows European clubs to play their best youngsters against those of other clubs, and fine youngsters often pop up from the smaller clubs.
In one of the biggest upsets in the competition this season, Estonian outfit Flora Tallinn put two-time champions Chelsea to the sword in London, winning 5-4 on aggregate to eliminate them from the competition.
Flora benefitted from the masterclass showing from 18-year-old winger Sander Alamaa, who showed his quality against the highly-rated youngsters and youth internationals in the Blues' CNG team.
Flora Tallinn stun Chelsea's CNG in UYL clash
Harry Hudson's CNG were expected to go straight through after they were drawn against Estonian outfit Flora Tallinn in a two-legged knockout tie in the UEFA Youth League.
The first leg in Tallinn provided a warning of the test before them, as they were reduced to nine players and played out a 2-2 draw in the first game against the minnows.
Sander Alamaa scored twice in the first game but saved his defining performance for the second leg at Cobham, scoring two goals and providing an assist.
In the presence of first-team manager Xabi Alonso, Hudson named a strong XI, with the likes of Reggie Watson, Mahdi Nicoll-Jazuli, Tayo Subuloye, and Freddy Bernal all starting.
They raced into an early lead, with Mathis Eboue finding the far corner inside the opening two minutes, but Alamaa benefitted from a defensive mishap to equalise in the 17th minute.
Two minutes into the second half, Ibrahim Rabbaj scored the young Blues' second of the game, but Alamaa turned provider for Marten Kukkonen, setting up the equaliser.
The Estonian side were awarded a penalty in the 78th minute, and the 18-year-old winger stepped up to dispatch it emphatically, ensuring that his side won 3-2 in London and 5-4 on aggregate.
Who is Sander Alamaa?
Born in February 2008, Sander Alamaa has rapidly emerged as one of the Baltic region's most lethal young talents.
A left winger/attacking midfielder, he progressed through the youth sides of Harju JK, Kalev Tallinn, and Flora’s academy before breaking into the senior side.
Despite his age, Alamaa has already established himself as a prominent figure in senior football for FC Flora in Estonia's top-flight.
The youngster has already appeared 68 times in senior football for Flora Tallinn, making him one of the most experienced players in this season's UEFA Youth League.
Combining explosive acceleration, sharp dribbling, and composure in front of goal, he scored 11 times in 33 league outings in the 2026 top-flight season, proving that he can score goals against more experienced opposition, as well.
His performance in the Youth League, coupled with his displays in senior football for Flora, have attracted interest from a number of sides across Europe.
Alamaa could be on the move from his club as soon as in the January transfer window, as his contract only runs until 2028.
