The start of Round 5 brought together the two standout teams of Group A as JK Silvertown met Team PL Blue Boys in what was billed as the battle for top spot. JK Silvertown entered the match with a perfect four wins from four and knew that simply avoiding defeat would secure the Group A title and Cup qualification. For the Polish side, three wins in a row had put them right in contention, but with goal difference separating them from third place, the pressure was on to keep their run going.

From the first whistle, it was clear that this would be a tight and tactical contest. Both sides were well-drilled, disciplined, and unwilling to take unnecessary risks. The midfield battle was intense, with little space for creativity, and both teams' defensive organisation made it difficult for attackers to find openings.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to break the deadlock despite spells of pressure at either end. The goalkeepers — Ray Coker for JK Silvertown and Mario Kupisiak for Team PL Blue Boys — were both excellent when called upon, commanding their areas and ensuring they each finished with a deserved clean sheet. It was a game defined by defensive quality rather than attacking flair.

A rare 0-0 draw meant that JK Silvertown's unbeaten record remained intact, confirming their place at the top of Group A and securing Cup qualification. For Team PL Blue Boys, the point could prove vital, but it left them waiting anxiously to see whether Athletico Charhad Vets could overtake them in the race for the second Cup spot. The result kept the group delicately balanced heading into the final couple of fixtures.

Game 15 brought the Group A stage to a dramatic close with everything still to play for in both the Cup and Plate qualification battles. The Warriors and Athletico Charhad Vets faced off knowing the stakes could not be higher. For The Warriors, a single point would be enough to secure a Plate place, but defeat would see them eliminated and Bristol Wanderers go through instead. For Athletico Charhad Vets, only a win would do to claim the final Cup qualification spot, as a draw would leave them level with Team PL Blue Boys but behind on goal difference.

The match began with tension and purpose, and it was The Warriors who struck first to make the perfect start. Their early goal gave them the advantage they needed, and they held firm for the remainder of the first half to go into the break 1-0 ahead. It was a brave and disciplined display from The Warriors, who were showing the resilience that had earned them results earlier in the day. Athletico Charhad Vets, however, were far from done.

After the restart, Athletico came out with renewed determination, showing the quality and experience that had kept them in the hunt for Cup qualification. They drew level through Robert Plant, setting up a tense finish. With the momentum shifting, it was once again Danny McGhan who took centre stage. The forward continued his fine form by scoring twice in the second half to complete a superb turnaround and secure a 3-1 victory. His brace took his personal tally to five goals for the tournament and sealed a crucial win for his side.

At full-time, the result sent Athletico Charhad Vets into the Cup in second place, joining JK Silvertown in the elite competition. For The Warriors, it was heartbreak — their early promise undone by Athletico's powerful comeback. The defeat meant they slipped out of the qualification places, missing out on the Plate by the narrowest of margins, while Bristol Wanderers celebrated a dramatic late reprieve. It was a fittingly intense end to a thrilling group stage.

For the 2025 Barcelona Fives report click here.

For the 2025 Barcelona Sevens report click here.

For the 2025 Barcelona Veterans report click here.