Luxembourg come from behind to draw with Northern Ireland
Luxembourg were looking to improve on just one goal scored in their five UNL games as Gerson Rodrigues’ half-volley bounced just wide of Pierce Charles’ right-hand post.
It was the Red Lions’ only sight of goal in the opening 20 minutes and Group C3 leaders Northern Ireland soon found their rhythm. Ethan Galbraith – making his full debut for the Green and White Army – caused Luxembourg problems on the right flank and his pinpoint low cross was inches away from Isaac Price’s finishing touch.
However, Price didn’t miss his second opportunity of the night, notching his fourth UNL goal of the campaign as he whipped a deadly first-time strike into the bottom corner from Shea Charles’ pass.
Michael O’Neil’s outfit continued to look the more dangerous and Price’s stinging effort from outside the area was held gratefully by teenage Luxembourg goalkeeper Tiago Pereira Cardoso.
Price continued to torment Luxembourg’s defence and the Standard Liège man turned provider shortly after HT, delivering an inch-perfect cross to Conor Bradley, whose header proved too powerful for Cardoso.
Despite taking control in the final stages, Northern Ireland were caught off guard by Danel Sinani’s free-kick behind the backline of green and white shirts, which landed for Seid Korać to poke into the net.
Luxembourg suddenly seized momentum and levelled with 15 minutes remaining when Rodrigues controlled Tomas de Sousa Moreira’s deflected cross and volleyed past the outstretched Charles and into the roof of the net.
Luxembourg came into this contest as the confirmed bottom side in C3 but the two late goals were crucial ahead of a play-off clash to remain in the UNL’s third tier for the 2026/27 competition.
Northern Ireland ultimately saw out the final 15 minutes to hold onto a point as O’Neil’s side claimed first place due to Bulgaria’s 1-1 draw with Belarus.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Isaac Price (Northern Ireland)
