Italy and Spain became the first sides to secure their places in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship quarter-finals, both making it two wins from two, while France and Portugal produced standout displays to boost their own hopes of progression.
Spain once again left it late in Bratislava, scoring twice in the final five minutes to complete a dramatic comeback against Romania. Louis Munteanu’s fourth-minute strike had put the underdogs in front, and Spain squandered a golden chance to level when Mateo Joseph missed a first-half penalty.
Romania appeared to be on course for a historic first win over Spain at this level since 1977, but their hopes were dashed moments after substitute Vladislav Blănuță was sent off. Mikel Jaureguizar curled in a superb equaliser before Roberto Fernández poked home the winner in added time.
Player of the Match: Javi Guerra (Spain)
Key Stat: Spain have begun a U21 EURO group campaign with back-to-back victories for the second tournament running.
Italy also confirmed their passage to the knockout stage with a game to spare, defeating hosts Slovakia thanks to a composed seventh-minute finish from Cesare Casadei. The Torino striker won the ball in his own half before linking up with Wilfried Gnonto and finishing smartly into the far corner.
Slovakia pushed for an equaliser but were denied at the death by a spectacular one-handed save from Italy keeper Sebastiano Desplanches.
Player of the Match: Cher Ndour (Italy)
Key Stat: Italy have claimed maximum points from their opening two group games for the first time since 2013.
Elsewhere, Portugal reignited their campaign with a ruthless 5–0 demolition of Poland. Geovany Quenda starred for Rui Jorge’s side, scoring twice in the first half — first from close range and then with a brilliant solo effort, both assisted by Roger Fernandes.
Veteran duo Henrique Araújo and Paulo Bernardo, both making their 30th U21 appearances, found the net before the break, with Rodrigo Gomes completing the scoring in the second half.
Player of the Match: Geovany Quenda (Portugal)
Key Stat: Portugal have suffered just two defeats in their last 15 U21 EURO group matches (W9 D4), while Poland have won only two of their last eight.
In Žilina, France edged a pulsating encounter against Georgia, winning 3–2 thanks to a 102nd-minute winner from substitute Thierno Barry. Mathys Tel had earlier given Les Bleuets the lead from the penalty spot, but Georgia’s inspired substitute Giorgi Abuashvili scored one and set up Saba Sazonov to turn the match on its head with six minutes remaining.
Johann Lepenant equalised in the 89th minute before Barry latched on to Castello Lukeba’s cross-shot to secure victory deep into stoppage time.
Player of the Match: Mathys Tel (France)
Key Stat: Georgia suffered their first defeat in regulation time at a U21 EURO, having previously exited the 2023 tournament on penalties in the quarter-finals.
With the tournament now in full swing, the race to the knockout rounds promises further drama — but Italy and Spain have already shown they mean business.
