San Marino
Albania Demolish San Marino 3-0 in UEFA Nations League Clash
San Marino’s dreams of a Nations League miracle were crushed under an Albanian avalanche as the visitors romped to a 3-0 victory in League C Group 2, their 72% possession painting a brutal picture of total dominance.
The microstate’s defenders barely had time to wipe the September sweat from their brows before Albania struck. In the 21st minute, QPR’s Anis Mehmeti — all darting feet and cold-blooded precision — slotted home after Rey Manaj’s cutback, the floodgates creaking ominously.
Six minutes later, Myrto Uzuni doubled the lead. The Granada winger pounced on a loose ball, his finish ricocheting off a despairing Nicola Nanni before kissing the net. San Marino’s striker-turned-reluctant-defender could only earn a yellow card for his troubles before half-time.
Albania’s Total Control Leaves San Marino Chasing Shadows
Manaj put the game beyond doubt on 65 minutes, hammering home Albania’s third after San Marino’s overworked defense collapsed like a house of cards. The statistics told a grim tale — just 28% possession, six fouls to Albania’s 14, and a single tame shot on target that barely troubled goalkeeper Andrea Sherri.
San Marino’s five second-half substitutions brought fresh legs but no fresh ideas, their attacking forays as rare as snowfall in summer. Lorenzo Lazzari and Michele Cevoli’s introductions briefly lifted the home fans, but Albania’s backline — marshalled by the imperious Berat Djimsiti before his 45th-minute substitution — remained untroubled.
What This Means For Both Nations
For Albania, this routine victory keeps their Nations League promotion push on track, their 14 shots (eight on target) a statement of attacking intent. Kristjan Asllani’s yellow card for a cynical foul was the sole blemish on an otherwise professional display.
San Marino’s wait for a competitive victory stretches on, their five corners and six total shots offering only fleeting hope. The microstate’s players left the field to applause, their effort unquestionable but their quality worlds apart from Albania’s slick operators.
Key Moments
21′ ⚽ Albania — Anis·Mehmeti (assist: Rey Manaj)
27′ ⚽ Albania — Myrto Uzuni
65′ ⚽ Albania — Rey Manaj🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.
