The Nations League group stage concluded with thrilling matches across Europe, shaping the paths for teams aiming for promotion or battling relegation. Malta’s resilient 10-men performance against Andorra secured their place in the promotion playoffs, Wales celebrated their leap to League A, and Germany finished their campaign unbeaten.
Malta’s 0-0 draw with Andorra at the National Stadium in Ta’ Qali was a testament to the team’s determination and discipline. Reduced to 10 men after Gżira United defender Gabriel Bohrer Mentz received a red card in the 17th minute for a foul, Malta had to adapt quickly. Despite the numerical disadvantage, interim coach Davide Mazzotta’s side remained aggressive and sought to create chances, particularly in the first half. Andorra improved in the second half, pressing harder and creating more opportunities, but Malta’s disciplined defence held firm. The draw kept Malta in second place in Group D2 with seven points, earning them a spot in the promotion playoffs set for March 2026.
In League B, Wales delivered one of the standout performances of the round with a 4-1 victory over Iceland, clinching promotion to League A. Iceland’s Gudjohnsen opened the scoring in the 8th minute, but Wales responded with goals from Cullen, who struck twice, followed by Johnson and Wilson in the second half to secure a commanding win. Meanwhile, Montenegro stunned Turkey with a 3-1 victory, thanks to a hat-trick from Krstovic, while Yildiz scored Turkey’s only goal.
In League A, Germany maintained their unbeaten record with a 1-1 draw against Hungary in Budapest. Nmecha put Germany ahead in the 76th minute, finishing after Schlotterbeck’s header was saved by Dibusz. However, Hungary fought back and equalized deep into stoppage time when Szoboszlai converted a 99th-minute penalty after a handball in the box. Meanwhile, Bosnia, already relegated, managed a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands. Brobbey gave the Dutch an early lead, but Demirovic equalized for Bosnia in the second half. Despite the draw, Bosnia’s campaign ended without a single win.
In League C, Ukraine defeated Albania 2-1 to top their group. Early goals from Zinchenko and Yaremchuk put Ukraine in control, while Bajrami’s late penalty consoled Albania. Sweden also impressed with a dominant 6-0 victory over Azerbaijan. Kulusevski and Gyökeres led the charge, with Kulusevski scoring twice and Gyökeres adding a hat-trick. Slovakia edged Estonia 1-0, courtesy of a second-half goal from Strelec, and the Czech Republic secured a 2-1 win over Georgia, with goals from Šulc and Hložek.
As the group stage concluded, the Nations League delivered excitement and drama. Teams now look ahead to the promotion playoffs and the next stages of competition, underscoring the depth and unpredictability of European football.
