On Wednesday 1 September 2021, Luxembourg's men's senior football team won their first match at their new home, the Stade de Luxembourg, by defeating Azerbaijan 2-1 in a FIFA World Cup qualifier.
While the stadium has a total capacity of close to 10,000, just 2,000 people were permitted inside the stadium de to COVID-19 restrictions: In addition to 350 people working there, including journalists and security staff, there were 1,650 spectators.
Michael Pinto opened the scoring on 8 minutes with an assist by Sinani, with Gerson Rodrigues doubling the hosts' lead 20 minutes later after converting a penalty following a foul by Huseynov on Barreiro in the box. Emin Makhmudov got one back for the visitors after Martins conceded a free kick for the home side, with a quarter of the game left to play; however, the Red Lions held on for an important victory and an invaluable three points.
Although Luxembourg had 15 shots throughout the game, just four of those were on target, compared to 3 from the visitors. The home side shaded the possession statistics, with 52%. 5 players were book, two from Luxembourg 3 from Azerbaijan.
Luxembourg remain 3rd out of 5 teams in the group, on 6 points from 3 games, one behing Serbia in 2nd. Portugal top the UEFA Group A table with 10 points from 4 games.
Luxembourg's next game is away to Serbia this Saturday 4 September.
Luxembourg: Moris (GK), Carlson, Jans (c), Mahmutovic, O. Thill, C. Martins, Barreiro, Michael Pinto, S. Thill, Rodrigues, Sinani.
