Spain’s Under-21 side left Finland without the qualification result they wanted, beaten 2-1 in a match that keeps their route to the 2027 European Championship unfinished. David Gordo’s team recovered late but could not erase the damage from two Finnish strikes.
Quick facts
- Finland defeated Spain Under-21 2-1.
- Ruoppi scored in the ninth minute and Ylitolva added Finland’s second on 66 minutes.
- Jacobo Ramón headed Spain back into contention in the 86th minute.
- Barcelona full-back Xavi Espart made his first Under-21 start.
- Spain missed a stoppage-time chance through Pablo García to level the match.
The opening half was a closely fought, midfield-heavy affair with little room for either attack. Finland nevertheless found an early breakthrough when Moller drove down the left, got beyond Espart and pulled the ball back for Ruoppi, whose finish found the top corner.
Espart, making his first appearance in the starting line-up at this level, had been booked before the interval. Gordo withdrew the Barcelona defender at half-time.
Spain took greater control after falling behind, with Marc Bernal setting the rhythm in possession. Yet the visitors struggled to create clear connections in attack and were unable to bring Gonzalo consistently into the game.
The second period brought more Spanish pressure around Jantunen’s goal, but Finland struck again instead. Valle failed to clear decisively in the 66th minute, allowing Ylitolva to take advantage and finish into an unguarded net.
Gordo turned to his bench, introducing Carlos Espí, Pablo García and Jan Virgili as Spain searched for a way back. Jantunen denied several efforts as the Finnish defence protected its two-goal margin.
The response finally arrived four minutes from time. Valle delivered a fine cross and Jacobo Ramón met it with a header to cut the deficit, giving Spain fresh belief for the closing moments.
Pablo García then came within inches of an equaliser in added time, his close-range attempt narrowly missing the target. Spain’s late surge was not enough, and Finland’s two earlier blows ensured the qualification wait continues.
