Finland shocks Spain's under‑21 side and dashes its Euro hopes

Spain's under‑21 national team fell 2‑1 to Finland in the decisive qualifying match for Euro 2027, failing to secure the spot that coach David Gordo was seeking. Striker Gonzalo García failed to convert any chances, while Finland took the lead with two early goals.

Match development

The first half remained balanced, with few clear chances and an intense battle in midfield. Finland opened the scoring in the ninth minute thanks to Otto Ruoppi, who received a pass from Möller on the left and struck into the corner.

After the break, Finland extended their lead in the sixty‑sixth minute when Miska Ylitolva capitalised on a poor clearance from Alex Valle and scored into an empty net. The red side began to dominate with Marc Bernal taking the reins, but Spain reduced the deficit in the eighty‑sixth minute after a cross from Alex Valle that Jacobo Ramón headed in with precision. The Finns Miska Ylitolva, Illari Kangasniemi and Arttu Lötjönen were part of the eleven that maintained the advantage.

Reactions and consequences

Striker Gonzalo García admitted his frustration at being unable to score any goal, a feeling shared by Betis midfielder Antony, who said: “I had to take pills all season.” Journalist Fernando Gabarró highlighted the surprise of David Gordo's national team against the two Finnish strikes.

Barcelona full‑back Xavi Espart received a yellow card in the 35th minute and was substituted by David Gordo at halftime. Fer López came on in the 70th minute, while Jan Virgili, Carlos Espí and Pablo García also entered from the bench in search of a comeback. The main referee Gergo Bogár (Hungary) showed yellow cards to Ylitolva, Espart, Chema Andrés, Jesús Rodríguez, Jan Virgili and Lötjönen.

With the 2‑1 defeat, Spain's under‑21 national team failed to secure qualification for Euro 2027, leaving their spot pending. The result leaves the team and coach David Gordo facing the task of seeking other routes to reach the tournament.