The Czech Republic host Albania at the Eden Arena this Thursday in the fifth match of the UEFA Euro Qualifiers. The two sides are at the top of their group meaning whichever way the points may go, it could massively change the order at the top.
The Czech Republic sit top of Group E after three games of the Qualifiers. With two wins and one draw, the Czech Republic have seven points, one point ahead of second place Albania and two points ahead of third place Moldova. Czechia also has the best goal difference of the group with five, having only conceded once.
Poland were the first opponents for Czechia in the Euro Qualifiers. Ladislav Krejci scored in the first minute and Tomas Cvancara scored in the third minute to give Czechia the 2 - 0 lead within five minutes. Jan Kuchta also scored despite a late goal from Damian Syzmansi for Poland as the Czech Republic won 3 - 1. Next was a trip to Moldova where despite racking up 16 shots with three on target and 68% of the possession, Czechia couldn’t find a way through and had to settle for a 0 - 0 draw. The final Qualifier game of the last break came against the Faroe Islands. Krejci scored again and a brace from Vaclav Cerny gave Czechia the 3 - 0 win and the three points.
The last action for the Czech Republic was a friendly against Montenegro. Mojmir Chytil, Michail Sadilek, Lukas Provod and Adam Hlozek all scored in the 4 - 1 thrashing.
Albania sit second in Group E just one point adrift of their opponents this weekend. Although they also have a two point cushion between them and third place Moldova, points would consolidate their hold on qualification.
Albania also opened their Qualifiers against Poland but were instead on the losing end. In a somewhat even game, Albania went home empty handed as a goal from Karol Swiderski just before halftime gave Poland the advantage going into the break. Albania were unable to convert any of their three shots on target as Poland took the 1 - 0 win. The first win for Albania came against Moldova. Jasir Asani and Nedim Bajrami both scored in the second half in a game that Albania completely dominated. In the 2 - 0 win Albania had 72% of the possession and completed over double of Moldova’s passes.
The last Qualifier of the last break was against the Faroe Islands. Bajrami scored again in the first half, but a goal in added time of the first half from Odmar Faro meant that the teams were tied going into the break. However, Kristjan Asllani scored early in the second half and Ernest Muci scored in extra time to give Albania the 3 - 1 win and the three points.
The Czech Republic and Albania have only met once before in their histories and quite recently, back in 2021 in an international friendly. This weekend’s hosts Czechia took the win with Patrik Schick, Lukas Masopust and Ondrej Calustka scoring in the 3 - 1 win with Sokol Cikalleshi on the scoresheet for Albania.