Spain’s Under-21 European Championship qualifying campaign reaches a decisive night at Can Misses, where Romania stand between the hosts and a chance to seal their place at the finals. Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00, with Spain making three changes to the side for this key qualifier.
What the night decided
Victory over Romania would complete Spain’s qualification for the Under-21 European Championship, giving the home side the opportunity to settle their route to the tournament in Ibiza rather than leave the issue for later in the campaign.
The match follows Spain’s emphatic win against San Marino, a game in which Getafe midfielder Mario Martín scored his first goal for the Under-21 side. His display marked another positive step for a squad balancing qualification pressure with the development of a new generation.
Spain have restored the Fulham forward to the starting line-up, while Álex Valle and Chema Andrés are also brought in. The selection is:
- Esquivel
- Rafita
- Jacobo Ramón
- Yarek
- Álex Valle
- Chema Andrés
- Mendoza
- Iker Bravo
- Pablo García
- Jan Virgili
- Gonzalo
Romania arrive with Sandu in goal and a starting side made up of Baraitaru, Pascalau, Dutu, Ciubotaru, Cimpean, Mihai, Biliboc, Radaslavescu, Burnete and Trica.
Selection movement around Spain
Spain’s senior squad have also been affected by an ankle problem for Ferran Torres. The Barcelona forward has been forced out, with a Real Madrid player promoted from the Under-21 group after an outstanding performance against San Marino.
For the Under-21s, however, the immediate task is clear: turn their recent attacking momentum into the result that confirms European Championship qualification against Romania.
