Spain’s under-21 squad in European action heads toward a semi-final clash, ready to face the opponent who will determine the opponent’s fate. France and Ukraine will square off this Sunday. This generation has learned to fight for every inch, to rise when the odds seem stacked against them. Many of these players have already tasted titles in other age groups, proving they play with genuine heart and long-standing chemistry that goes back to childhood. Names like Miranda, Sergio Gómez, and Abel Ruiz have already worn the Barça shirt and continue to do so with the current U-21 side.
The early leadership of the team was clear as these two players became the focal points, delivering goals against Switzerland. A hard-won victory in extra time came from Miranda after a Swiss bid to move the game into overtime worked against them. That late turn kept the approach of the quarterfinals intense and dramatic.
The Swiss forward’s strike altered the script and added extra tension to the match. It was a sharp, decisive moment, a surgical finish that challenged Spain in an otherwise controlled game.
Switzerland faced limited danger overall, while Spain controlled possession for long stretches. Yet Abel Ruiz and Sergio Gómez demonstrated a deep mutual understanding, combining to create Spain’s opening goal in a sequence that showcased their chemistry and technique.
The City winger, who has experience as a Premier League wide player and as a Spain international in the wings, benefited from a patient buildup orchestrated by Abel. The ball found Sergio Gomez, whose first-time effort seemed nearly impossible for the keeper to stop.
As the clock moved into the 68th minute, Spain sought to calm the game, aided by Bernabé who was included in the European Championship roster in place of Nico. The Parma midfielder appeared late and grew into a standout, especially after extra time. Spain responded to the Swiss challenge with measured poise, showing maturity beyond the age group in the extra period.
Maintaining composure under pressure, the team clung to its automatisms to endure. One well-known sequence for this squad involved a long-range effort from outside the Miranda area. The Betis winger delivered a curling strike that deceived the Swiss goalkeeper, leaving Spain battered but victorious and advancing to the semi-finals, with eyes set on a possible Games appearance.
Data sheet:
2 – Spain: Arnau Tenas; Víctor Gómez (Arnau Martínez, m.99), Aitor Paredes, Jon Pacheco, Juan Miranda; Antonio Blanco (Gabri Veiga, art.99), Oihan Sancet (Aimar Oroz, art.78), Alex Baena (Adrián Bernabé, art.78); Rodri Sánchez (Ander Barrenetxea, m.87), Sergio Gómez (Mario Gila, m.119) and Abel Ruiz.
1 – Switzerland: Emir Saipi; Lewin Blum (Becir Omeragic, m.104), Leonidas Stergiou, Aurele Amenda, Nicolas Vouilloz; Fabian Rieder (Simon, Sohm, art.58), Ardon Jashari (Gabriel Bares, art.74); Darian Males (Filip Stojilkovic, art.74), Kastriot Imeri (Matteo Di Giusto, art.86), Dan Ndoye (Julian Von Moos, art.86); and Clever Amdouni.
Goals: 1-0, art.68: Sergio Gomez. 1-1, art.91+: Zeki Amdouni. 2-1, art.103: Juan Miranda.
Judge: Erik Lambrechts (Belgium) cautioned Víctor Gómez (m.34), Arnau Martínez (m.114) and Adrián Bernabé (m.118) for Spain; Kastriot Imeri (m.27), Gabriel Bares (m.82), Aurele Amenda (m.118) and Zeki Amdouni (m.118) for Switzerland.
Event note: The European Under-21 quarter-final took place at Giulesti Stadium in Bucharest.