Albania beat Finland 2-0 to maintain top spot in UEFA Nations League Group C1

A fantastic evening for the Albanian national team at Air Albania Stadium! The Red and Blacks secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Finland, delivering an impressive performance and earning three very important points in Group C1 of the UEFA Nations League.

With this victory, Albania moved to 12 points and maintained its position at the top of the group, CE Report informs via the Albanian Football Association's official website.

Head coach Rolando Maran started the match with the following line-up: Berisha (GK), Hysaj, Gjimshiti (C), Ismajli, Mitaj, Pilo, Ramadani, Asllani, Laçi, Muçi and Manaj.

The Red and Blacks started the match at a high tempo, looking to threaten their opponents' goal from the opening minutes. Their efforts paid off in the 35th minute when Ernest Muçi scored a spectacular goal. The Albanian forward received the ball on the right flank and fired an extraordinary outside-of-the-foot shot into the net, sending the stadium into celebration.

Albania did not stop there and made the best possible start to the second half. In the 50th minute, Elseid Hysaj delivered a perfect cross from the right flank, and Rey Manaj doubled the lead with a precise header, bringing the Red and Blacks even closer to victory.

In the 67th minute, Finland were reduced to ten men after Tenho received a red card for a dangerous challenge on Muçi. Albania continued to control the game, created further opportunities to extend their lead and carefully managed their advantage until the final whistle.

It was a well-deserved victory for Albania, who secured three valuable points in front of their home supporters and confirmed their good form at this stage of the competition.

Albania now face their final Group C1 fixture. On Sunday, they will take on Belarus away from home at 18:00, aiming to finish this stage with another positive result and remain at the top of the group.

Photo: Albanian Football Association