Excellent weekend for Albanian footballers playing in foreign leagues. Mirlind Daku and Taulant Seferi each scored twice, Rey Manaj continued his goal-scoring run, while Qazim Laçi and Myrto Uzuni also found the net. Ernest Muçi, Cristian Shpendi and Stavro Pilo were the protagonists with assists.
Albanian footballers playing abroad left their mark this week, becoming the protagonists with goals and assists recorded in their respective leagues.
From Russia to Turkey, and from the United States to Italy and on the European stage, the Red-and-Black players confirmed their good form, making an important contribution to their teams.
Daku and Seferi shine with two goals each
Mirlind Daku was one of the main protagonists in the Russian league. The Albania national team striker scored twice in Spartak Moscow’s convincing 4-0 win over Rubin Kazan, his former club.
Daku came on in the 64th minute and just a minute later put the ball in the net, scoring the third goal for his team. In the 90th minute, the striker sealed the final result with his second personal goal.
His performance comes just a few days after another positive display, as on Thursday he had also scored two goals in the Cup match against Rodina Moscow.
Taulant Seferi is also in excellent form, scoring twice in Kayserispor’s 4-0 away win over Antalyaspor.
The Albanian striker opened his account in the 24th minute and scored again in the 53rd minute, confirming the positive momentum he is enjoying in the Turkish league.
With nine league goals, Seferi ranks among the top scorers, level with Rey Manaj.
Manaj and Laçi find the net in Turkey
Rey Manaj continues to be one of Sivasspor’s strongest assets. The Albanian striker scored in the 30th minute of the match against Sarıyer, recording his ninth league goal.
In addition to his goals, Manaj has also provided two assists, demonstrating his importance to the team’s attack.
Qazim Laçi was also a protagonist in Turkey. The Albania national team midfielder scored for Rizespor in the match against Çorum, netting in the 32nd minute with a precise shot inside the box that ended up in the top corner of the opposing goal.
This was Laçi’s second goal in the first eight weeks of the league season.
Uzuni scores in MLS, but Austin FC suffers a comeback
In the American MLS, Myrto Uzuni also found the net wearing the Austin FC shirt. The Albanian striker scored in the 41st minute against Vancouver, taking advantage of an opponent’s error and putting his team ahead.
However, Uzuni’s goal was not enough to secure a positive result. Vancouver responded in the second half, scored twice and turned the match around, leaving Austin FC with the bitter taste of defeat.
Muçi, Shpendi and Pilo contribute with assists
Beyond goals, Albanian footballers also stood out with decisive assists.
Ernest Muçi was a protagonist in Trabzonspor’s 4-2 win over KuPS in the UEFA Conference League. Brought on as a substitute in the 74th minute, the Albanian striker provided a beautiful assist in stoppage time, helping the Turkish side score their fourth goal.
In Italy, Cristian Shpendi contributed to Cesena’s 1-1 draw with Avellino. The Albanian striker assisted Fiori, who put Cesena ahead. However, their opponents managed to equalise, meaning both teams shared a point.
Another assist came from Stavro Pilo on the European stage. The Albanian defender set up Majer in the 28th minute of AEK Athens’ match against Shakhtar Donetsk, helping the Greek side take the lead.
However, AEK failed to hold onto their advantage and were defeated 3-1 away from home.
Starters and substitutes also in action
Beyond the players who stood out with goals and assists, several other Albania national team players were in action from the first minute with their clubs.
Etrit Berisha, Berat Gjimshiti, Klisman Cake, Samuele Sina and Kristjan Asllani all started their matches.
Meanwhile, Ardian Ismajli, Ylber Ramadani, Juljan Shehu, Adrion Pajaziti and Sabah Kerjota came on as substitutes, continuing their involvement in international competitions.