Manchester United's Under-21s were beaten 4-2 by Real Madrid Castilla in the Premier League International Cup at Old Trafford.
Jack Moorhouse's opener got the ball rolling at the Theatre of Dreams, before livewire winger Shea Lacey added a second, shortly after for our young Reds.
But Madrid hit back on the stroke of half-time through Gabriel Castrelo, before Bruno Iglesias levelled the game, after his shot bounced up off of Dan Armer.
The game moved into extra-time and during the second 15-minute period, substitute Jaime Barroso edged the visitors in front, before Daniel Mesonero ended the game altogether with Real's fourth.
FIRST HALF - REDS AHEAD
Jack Fletcher, bidding to build on his impressive display at Leeds United on Good Friday, stole possession and headed forward with nine minutes on the clock, allowing Moorhouse to run in on goal.
The tenacious midfielder, back with our Under-21s after a solid loan spell at Leyton Orient, still had work to do, but smashed an effort into the top corner, as we pulled ahead early on.
One soon become two when Real Madrid goalkeeper Guillerho Sunico took a heavy touch and allowed Chido Obi to nip in, hauling down our no.9 in the process.
Referee Benjamin Speedie was left with little choice but to point to the spot, with Lacey taking on the responsibility, delicately placing the ball into the bottom corner.
Madrid fought back and Will Murdock made a smart save to keep Iglesias’s free-kick at bay soon after, but the visitors still grabbed a goal back before the interval.
A looping cross into the box eventually found its way to Castrelo, who smashed past Murdock and into the roof of the net to set up an exciting second period.
SECOND HALF - REAL HIT BACK
Tyler Fredricson, selected as captain for the evening, was dealt a bitter blow after going down injured, and was subsequently forced off, following the restart.
Murdock then made a big save to keep our lead intact, but pressure told and Real pulled the tie level.
A diagonal switch to David Jimenez let the defender advance down the left flank, before Iglesias's shot seemed to cannon back off Armer, before nestling into the net.
Little transpired as the game entered a lull in the final half an hour, before extra-time brought another challenge for coach Adam Lawrence and his side to overcome.
EXTRA-TIME: DISAPPOINTMENT AT THE DEATH
Igelsias was at it again shortly after extra-time began, picking up a loose ball as United attempted to clear our lines, but his effort was high and wide.
As fatigue began to set in, Real found a go-ahead goal to complete the comeback, with substitute Barroso smashing the ball past Murdock.
The tie was then wrapped up as Mesonero found an inch to drill a low effort into the bottom corner, sealing Real's progression in the tournament.
MATCH DETAILS
United: Murdock; Jackson, Aljofree, Fredricson (Armer 52), Kukonki; McCormack (Lusale 60), T.Fletcher, J.Fletcher (McAllister 79); Lacey (Overy 96), Obi, Moorhouse (Ajayi 79).
Subs not used: Byrne-Hughes.
Goals: Moorhouse 9, Lacey 15 (pen).
Booked: Aljofree.