Spain U‑21 aims to respond after Espi's late entry and Ramón's goal

In the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/27 match played on September 15, 2026 at the Manuel Martínez Valero Stadium in Elche, the Spain under‑21 national team lost 2‑1 to Finland, despite the involvement of Carlos Espi, a Real Madrid striker, who came on in the 74th minute.

First half and Finnish advantage

Finland, second in the standings of Group A of the UEFA European Under‑21 Championship qualifying phase, opened the scoring in the first half after a play in which Xavi Espart was beaten down the wing and the cut‑back pass found Otto Rupoit, who was not followed by Marc Bernal.

The second Finnish goal came in the second half when a misplaced clearance by Valle on the far post allowed the visitors to extend their lead, leaving Spain trailing 0‑2 on the scoreboard.

Gordo's changes and consolation goal

Coach David Gordo brought on Espi for Iker Bravo, who had been positioned on the right wing, forming a 4‑4‑2 alongside Gonzalo García, who had started the match. The aim was to create more presence in the box and generate crosses.

The tactical adjustment bore fruit despite the lack of time: Alex Valle crossed from the wing and Jacobo Ramón struck to pull one back, although the goal came too late to change the outcome.

Espi, who played barely 16 minutes, failed to alter the match's trajectory, and the defeat left Spain with three points fewer, now two points behind the top spot they still occupy.

The photo of the moment, taken by NurPhoto and distributed by Getty Images, shows Espi in action during the brief period he was on the pitch.

Following this setback, Spain U‑21's next fixture will be against San Marino on October 1, where they will aim to regain the top position in the group.