The Stade de Luxembourg may have been sold out for Luxembourg's third Nations League game on Saturday, but the Red Lions did not manage to hold off the guests from Turkey, who secured their third win in as many games.
Saturday marked the third match day of the new Nations League season, which saw Luxembourg face off against Turkey in the Stade the Luxembourg. In the end, the Red Lions suffered a 0:2 defeat at home, which means that Turkey is table leader with a maximum of nine points in three games.
Luxembourg is now second with six points in three games. The other game of the group saw the Faroe Islands win 2:1 against Lithuania.
Summary of the first half
Before the game started, Luxembourg's Christopher Martins and Maxime Chanot were honoured for their 50th call-up to the national team.
Coach Luc Holtz selected the same starting eleven that helped secure a win over the Faroe Islands. Turkey put pressure on the Red Lions from the very beginning and got a first shot away after ten minutes. Luxembourg's goal keeper Moris managed to block the header by Söyüncü.
Minutes later, Dervisogu got another scoring opportunity for Turkey after a through ball put him in front of goal. However, the angle was too tight for him to hit the target.
After 15 minutes of playing, Luxembourg started to get into the game. After a corner, Carlson attempted a long-distance shot, but failed to hit the target.
The game needed to be interrupted briefly after one of the corner flags broke. Shortly after, Dervisoglu got in front of Luxembourg's goal again, but Moris prevented the Turkish attacker from scoring.
After 35 minutes, Luxembourg's Barreiro committed a hand ball in the penalty box after a header from Söyüncü, which is why the guests were awarded a penalty. Calhanoglu then scored from the spot.
The first goal of the game
The game became quieter after Turkey took the lead and the score was still 1:0 when the referee blew the half-time whistle.
Highlights of the first half
Summary of the second half
After the break, Turkey continued with high pressure and forced several last-minute interventions from Luxembourg's defence. Holz then brought on brothers Sébastien and Vincent Thill, which allowed the Red Lions to get their composure back.
Unfortunately, an own goal by a Turkish defender did not count due to an earlier foul committed by Vincent Thill. A header by Rodrigues narrowly missed the target in the 72nd minute.
A little later, Carlson lost possession in front of his own goal, allowing Dursun to extend Turkey's lead to 2:0.
The second goal of the game
Despite relentless efforts from the Red Lions, the score remained 2:0, which means that Luxembourg suffered its first Nations League defeat this season.
Highlights of the second half
