Albania’s national football team ended their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 1-2 loss to Ukraine at the “Air Albania” stadium on Tuesday evening, sealing their relegation to League C.
The match began with a charged atmosphere, thanks to the passionate supporters filling the stands. Ukraine quickly asserted their dominance, with Zinchenko’s stunning strike in the 5th minute giving them the lead. Just four minutes later, Yaremchuk doubled their advantage, capitalising on a cross from the right.
Albania struggled to break through the Ukrainian defence but came close in the 18th minute when Daku set up Muçi, only for Zinchenko to block his shot in the box. Laçi had another opportunity in the 25th minute, testing Ukraine’s goalkeeper Trubin with a powerful shot that narrowly missed.
Albania’s keeper, Strakosha, made a crucial save to deny Ukraine a third in the 26th minute, keeping the scoreline at 2-0 going into the break.
The second half saw Albania make two early changes, bringing on Uzuni and Bajrami. The changes brought fresh energy, with Uzuni looking dangerous in the 51st minute, but a defender cleared the ball off the line. In the 62nd minute, Ajeti tried a powerful shot from outside the box, but it was saved by Trubin.
A glimmer of hope for Albania came in the 75th minute when Bajrami converted a penalty awarded after Uzuni was fouled. Despite continued pressure from Albania, they were unable to find an equaliser.
With the loss, Albania finishes last in Group B1, relegating them to League C for the next edition of the Nations League.
