Fitforit Spain celebrated a difficult victory at the start of the U21 European Championship. In the meantime, host Slovakia caught up a two-goal deficit, but then conceded a late goal.
The game of group A ended on Wednesday (June 11, 2025) with a 3: 2 (2-0) for the Spaniards who had lost the final against England at the European Championship 2023.
Marc Pubill from second division and Almeria put Spain in the lead in the 16th minute. Mateo Joseph von Leeds United, the promoted in the English Premier League, followed up two minutes later.
After the break, the Slovaks then equalized through Samuel Kopásek (48th) and a penalty goal by Tomas Suslov (53.).
In the 90th minute, César Tárrega ensured the favorite’s winning goal.
Spain before the break more efficient
“Slovensko, Slovensko”, it sounded through the stadium in the capital Bratislava. The fans of the Slovak team were hopeful that home rights could bring about a little. Even before the break, the eleven of coach Jaroslav Kentoš was hopelessly inferior.
But the Spaniards were much more efficient and showed their class. Before the 1-0, the ball initially flew to the post after a cross. The Slovak fans took a very brief breath, but after a flat cross, right -back Pubill was on hand and pressed the ball over the line from four meters.
A similar situation led to the second goal shortly afterwards. Juanlu Sánchez fit in flat from the right side, Joseph was faster than his opponent and pushed the ball past goalkeeper Lubomir Belko into the net.
Kopásek and Suslov take off the same way after a break
Slovakia indicated before the break that it can still be expected. However, it was not to be expected that it came to compensation so quickly.
At first Kopásek met MSK Zilina from ten meters after the presentation of Nino Marcelli, five minutes later Suslov transformed a penalty that Hugo Bueno had caused with a foul on Marcelli.
Suslov, who plays in Hellas Verona in Italian series A, was one of four actors in the Slovak starting eleven, who was also used in the A national team. He also played in the 2024 championship in Germany when Slovakia only failed in the round of 16 against England after extra time.
In the final phase of the game in Bratislva, Suslov and his colleagues had to tremble because Spain vehemently pressed the winning goal. After a corner kick in the 90th minute, the time had come. Tárrega from FC Valencia headed from a short distance.
The Spaniards cheered relieved, the Slovak fans were disappointed, but celebrated their team for a good performance.
Spain now against Romania, Slovakia meets Italy
For Spain, Group A continues on Saturday at 6 p.m. with the game against Romania. Slovakia meets Italy on the same day at 9 p.m.