Spain won its third match in Group B of Euro 2024 against Albania (1-0) this Monday, thanks to a goal from Ferran Torres. Albania is eliminated. Discover the summary of the match.
23:10 – Match summary: Spain in control
Already qualified and assured of first place in this group B, Spain had nothing to play this Monday evening against Albania, who on the contrary had to win to hope to qualify for the round of 16 of this Euro 2024. Spanish coach Luis de la Fuenta rotated by changing 10 players in relation to the success against Italy (1-0) but that did not prevent La Roja from mastering his subject throughout. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match (13th) after a great action launched by Aymeric Laporte.
Deliberate but clumsy up front, the Albanians were unlucky enough to come across a good goalkeeper in front. Established in place of Unai Simon, David Raya was imperial in goal against Asllani (45th) and Broja twice (64th and 90th +2). However, not enough to hope to win and qualify for the round of 16. For its second participation in a Euro, Albania is therefore eliminated in the group stage, as in 2016. Spain can, for its part, dream bigger, after this very satisfactory group stage.
23:04 – Spain does not know its opponent
Spain does not yet know its opponent in the round of 16. The Spaniards will play on Sunday evening (9 p.m.) in Cologne, against one of the four best third-placed teams. We will have to wait a little for La Roja.
22:58 – Spain finishes on top
With this third success in three matches, Spain finishes this group stage with nine points out of nine possible in this group B. Albania finishes last with only one point taken. Italy, which snatched a draw against Croatia at the same time (1-1), finished in second place in the group ahead of the Croatians. The final ranking of group B:
- Spain: 9 points (+5)
- Italy: 4 points (0)
- Croatia: 2 points (-3)
- Albania: 1 point (-2)
22:53 – It’s over! Spain beats Albania (1-0)
It’s over in Düsseldorf! Spain won against Albania (1-0) and won its third match in Group B in as many matches. Ferran Torres scored the only goal of the match (13th).
22:51 – Raya again!
On an off-center free kick well struck by Asllani this time, the ball is messed up by the Spanish defense. Broja can strike with the outside of his foot but Raya flies to catch the leather!
22:49 – Four minutes of added time
While Dani Vivian receives a yellow card for a foul on Broja, Mr. Nyberg allows four minutes of additional time.
22:46 – Asllani completely misses a free kick
While Albania had obtained a good eccentric free kick, Asllani completely missed his gesture and the opportunity to put the danger on the Spanish goal. His teammates are upset…
22:43 – Spain: Dani Olmo replaced
Luis de la Fuente makes another change. Dani Olmo is replaced by Alex Baena, the Villarreal player, for the last minutes of the match.
22:42 – Hoxha misses his shot
Well shifted to the left wing at the last moment, Hoxha cuts back into the center in the area and strikes on his right foot but it goes wide…
22:39 – Albania: Asani leaves his place
Sylvinho makes another change on the offensive level. Generous but clumsy, Asani is replaced by Muçi for the last minutes.
22:36 – Asllani misses the target!
Asllani, who scored a great shot in the first half, tried his luck again from outside the box, but this time with his left foot. It didn’t go far past David Raya’s goal!
22:33 – Only a quarter of an hour left for Albania
Albania only has fifteen minutes left in this second period to hope to reverse the situation and secure qualification for the round of 16 of Euro 2024.
22:30 – Spain: Morata and Lamal come into play
Luis de la Fuente in turn makes two changes at once. Alvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal replace Joselu and Ferran Torres respectively.
22:28 – Albania: Bajrami and Laçi replaced
Sylvinho makes two new changes in this match. Nedim Bajrami and Qazim Laçi are replaced respectively by Arbër Hoxha and Medon Berisha.
22:27 – Albania is starting to believe it again
The Albanians seem to have found a second wind in this meeting and have regained hope, just over 20 minutes from the end of regulation time.
22:24 – Bajrami warned for simulation
Albanian number 10 Bajrami receives a yellow card for simulation after slight contact with Jesus Navas and has a little difficulty believing his eyes.
22:23 – Raya’s parade!
On a free kick quickly played in the Spanish camp, Broja surprises everyone in the La Roja defense and tries to lob Raya with first intention but the Arsenal goalkeeper pushes back!
22:20 – Spain: Fermin comes into play
Quite discreet, Oyarzabal leaves his place to Fermin Lopez, the young FC Barcelona midfielder who will celebrate his second selection this evening.
22:17 – Albania: Broja comes into play
For Albania, Armando Broja enters the field in place of Rey Manaj on the striker’s front. This is the first change made by Sylvinho.
22:15 – Croatia took the lead
In the other Group B match, Croatia took the lead against Italy and found itself virtually second behind Spain. This goal changes nothing for the Albanians, who must win anyway…
22:13 – Bajrami resumed at the last moment
Launched into a solitary raid, Bajrami entered the Spanish area but found himself surrounded by three defenders and ended up losing the ball just as he was about to strike.
22:10 – Sylvinho receives a yellow card
Albania’s Brazilian coach Sylvinho receives a yellow card from his bench for having visibly protested a little too much after an arbitration decision. He pretends not to understand.
22:09 – The mood has subsided
The atmosphere is much less crazy than during the first minutes of this match between Albania and Spain. The Albanian supporters, the majority this evening in Düsseldorf, find it hard to believe it but we feel that they could wake up at the slightest opportunity.
22:06 – Joselu very close to a crazy goal
Joselu comes close to a splendid goal from the restart! The Spanish striker acrobatically takes a cross from Grimaldo but the ball skims Strakosha’s post…
22:03 – Spain: Le Normand replaces Laporte
Luis de la Fuente decided to make a change at the break. Aymeric Laporte was replaced by Robin Le Normand, who is nevertheless subject to a suspension for the round of 16 if he receives a yellow card this evening.