Romania’s under-21 team made their debut with a 3-2 defeat of Albania in their Euro 2025 preliminary match after Daniel Pancu’s men took a 2-0 lead in the 58th minute.

Albania – Romania 3-2, in Group E Euro 2025 U21

The little tricolors, led by new coach Daniel Panku from the bench, failed to score a single point for the trip to Albania.

After a goalless first half, Dina Grameni opened the scoring in the 47th minute, and in the 58th minute, Andrii Borza increased the lead after Rares Ilie’s shot was deflected.

Albania reduced the deficit in the 63rd minute thanks to Shpendi’s luck, and in the 71st Berisha equalized with a powerful strike.

With two minutes to go, Paiaziti handed Romania their first defeat in these preliminary matches.

Romania U21 will have games with similar representatives of Armenia and Finland in October.

Romania U21: 1. Sava – 2. Panthea, 3. Ignat, 6. M. Ilie, 11. Borza – 17. Korbu, 15. Vulturar (10. Chiryan 89), 8. Grameni (21. Philip 76) – 7. Mazilu, 9. Muntianu (c) (14. Burnete 68), 19. R. Ilie (16. Pop 76). Selector: Daniel Punku

Rating of Group E of the Euro 2025 Under-21 qualifying tournament

1. Albania – 6 points / 2 matches

2. Switzerland – 3 p/1

3. Montenegro – 3 p/1

4. Romania – 0 p/1

5. Finland – 0/1

6. Armenia – 0/2