There was no neighbourly goodwill on Friday night, as Germany beat Luxembourg 2-0 after a battling performance that leaves manager Jeff Strasser with plenty of positives.

Stakes were high for both national coaches before this fifth and penultimate match in Group A of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Germany's Julian Nagelsmann couldn't afford to let Slovakia pull away before the final matchday, while Jeff Strasser was still searching for his first point since taking over the Luxembourg national team in the summer.

In the first half, the Red Lions showed determination, commitment, and no inhibitions before their home crowd against a German side struggling defensively. Both teams had chances to open the scoring, with Florian Wirtz in the 8th minute after Mathias Olesen lost possession, and Danel Sinani whose low, angled shot went wide after being well set up by Leandro Barreiro in the 11th minute.

Young Aiman ​​Dardari performed his signature move, a dribble on the outside of his right foot from the left flank, culminating in a shot that went just wide of the post in the 18th minute; two minutes later, Sinani's shot was turned behind for a corner by Oliver Baumann. Then the visitors had some opportunities before the break: Serge Gnabry, after a series of blocked shots, fired just wide, and Wirtz hit the ball over the bar a little later.

But the second half did not unfold as planned for the Red Lions, when Laurent Jans, having swapped from right to left wing, misjudged the ball's trajectory in the 49th minute. Leroy Sané took advantage and set up Nick Woltemade for the opening goal. Luxembourg could have equalised within a minute, but Dardari's left-footed shot grazed the post.

Christopher Martins had another good chance when he received a flick-on from Barreiro in the box, but was unable to hit the target.

In the 69th minute, Woltemade once again dashed Luxembourg's hopes with a beautiful move initiated by Sané and continued by Ridle Baku. Ten minutes later, Sané came close to scoring a third goal, but hit the crossbad. Anthony Moris saved a thunderous strike by Nmecha in the final minute of regular play to prevent a third goal for the visitors.

For their final Group A game, Luxembourg will travel to Northern Ireland, a match you can follow live on RTL Today on Monday 17 November.