Luxembourg's men's national football team, 3 June 2026; Credit: Ali Sahib, Chronicle.lu

On Saturday 6 June 2026, a goal from Danel Sinani secured a 1-0 victory for Luxembourg's men's national football team against Albania in an international friendly at the Arena Kombëtare in Tirana.

The Red Lions entered the match looking to bounce back from a 1-0 home defeat to Italy, while Albania had also suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Israel. Head coach Jeff Strasser made three changes to his starting line-up, with Tiago Pereira replacing Anthony Moris in goal. Enes Duarte came into the side, while Aiman Dardari returned after recovering from injury.

The decisive moment arrived in the eighth minute. Aiman Dardari beat two defenders on the left wing before advancing into the penalty area and delivering a low cross to Danel Sinani, who calmly finished from close range to give Luxembourg a 1-0 lead.

Albania responded ten minutes later when Kristjan Asllani tested Tiago Pereira from distance, but the Luxembourg goalkeeper was equal to the effort. He was called into action again shortly before half-time, producing an important save to deny Albania captain Berat Djimsiti and preserve his side's advantage at the break.

The hosts continued to apply pressure after the restart. However, Luxembourg nearly doubled their lead in the 62nd minute when Sinani found space inside the penalty area, only for Thomas Strakosha to make the save.

Rolando Maran's team continued to push for an equaliser and came close in the 72nd minute through substitute Taulant Seferi, who had been introduced at half-time. Luxembourg responded with an opportunity of their own as Vincent Thill's curling effort from the right side of the penalty area was tipped over the crossbar by Thomas Strakosha.

The home team increased the pressure during the closing stages and created a number of dangerous situations around Luxembourg's penalty area. However, a combination of offside decisions, missed connections and disciplined defending prevented Albania from finding an equaliser.

The Red Lions remained dangerous on the counterattack. In the 86th minute, Albanian goalkeeper was forced into another save after Sebastian Thill struck a powerful effort towards the near post. Albania responded with a long-range attempt of their own moments later, but Tiago Pereira gathered comfortably.

Deep into stoppage time, Luxembourg won a free-kick around twenty metres from goal. Danel Sinani stepped up but sent his effort just over the crossbar. Albania's final attacks also failed to produce a breakthrough. Although Rolando Maran's side finished with more possession (55%), more shots (17-10) and a commanding advantage in corners (14-2), Luxembourg held firm defensively to secure a 1-0 victory and conclude the international window on a positive note. 

The Red Lions will return to action on 26 September 2026 with an away match against Bulgaria in the UEFA Nations League.

Starting line-ups:

Albania: Alen Sherri (GK); Elseid Hysaj (C); Berat Djimsiti; Bujar Plana; Mario Mitaj; Ylber Ramadani; Nedim Bajrami; Kristjan Asllani; Arber Hoxha; Qazim Laçi; Myrto Uzuni.

Luxembourg: Tiago Pereira (GK); Seid Korac; Laurent Jans (C); Mica Pinto; Dirk Carlson; Tomás Moreira; Christopher Martins; Enes Duarte; Vincent Thill; Danel Sinani; Aiman Dardari.