The Albanian national team still has several scenarios available to secure first place in the Nations League group. At first glance it may seem strange, but the Reds may need only two draws to reach their goal, while a win does not automatically guarantee the top spot in the group.
The most interesting scenario is the one where Albania first draws with Finland and then with Belarus. This is provided that both of these national teams take three points in their respective matches against San Marino. In such a situation, Albania, Belarus and Finland would finish with 11 points each, while the Reds would benefit from the head-to-head goal difference to secure first place.
However, not every win would have the same value. If Albania lose to Finland and then defeat Belarus, they would collect 12 points, but that might not be enough to finish on top. Finland, if they win against San Marino, would reach 13 points and would have the advantage in the standings.
For the Reds, the path to first place is safer with four points from the two remaining matches, that is, a win and a draw, while six full points would guarantee the goal.
What would Albania gain from finishing first? The advantage would be significant: direct promotion to League B of the Nations League, as well as the opportunity to gain an additional route to the play-off phase of the 2028 European Championship.
The first important match this month is the one against Finland, scheduled for 12 November at the “Air Albania” Stadium. The history of meetings between the two national teams is not in Albania’s favour. In the eight matches played so far, the Reds have recorded two wins, one draw and five defeats. The most recent meeting, played in October, also ended in a 2-1 defeat for Albania, after Finland turned the result around.