Upset in Bulgaria delays Portugal's Euro Under‑21 qualification

Portugal lost 2-1 away to Bulgaria in Pazardzhik on Friday, after a goalless first half; Gustavo Varela opened the scoring in the 51st minute, but Damyan Yordanov equalised in the 87th and Marinov scored in the 90+1, postponing the guarantee of first place in Group B and direct qualification for the final stage of the Euro Under‑21 2027.

Portugal maintains Group B leadership

Despite the defeat, Portugal remains at the top of Group B with 19 points, four ahead of the Czech Republic, which drew 1-1 with Azerbaijan. The leadership still gives the side the possibility of securing a place in the final stage.

Bulgaria responded in the final minutes: Damyan Yordanov found the equaliser in the 87th minute and Marinov completed the win by scoring in stoppage time, at 90+1, overturning the expected result.

The Under‑21 side is under the command of Luís Freire, who seeks to correct the mistakes and recover the three points lost.

Portugal still has two decisive fixtures: they host Gibraltar on Wednesday in Ponta Delgada, before facing the Czech Republic on October 6 in Leiria.

With the leadership maintained, the players know they need victories in the upcoming games to guarantee direct qualification to the Euro Under‑21.

The next challenge will be crucial to turn the frustration of the defeat into positive points and progress in the campaign.