Europa Point Stadium in Gibraltar hosted an electrifying encounter between Gibraltar and Liechtenstein in the UEFA Nations League, League D, Group D1. Both teams were in search of crucial points, and the match did not disappoint, offering a rollercoaster of emotions for fans. From early goals to dramatic penalties and VAR decisions in injury time, this contest had everything. The match ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw, leaving both sides with mixed feelings as they fought to improve their standings in the group.
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Head-to-Head
Historically, Gibraltar and Liechtenstein have been evenly matched, with both teams often playing out close encounters. Coming into this game, both sides were looking to secure a win to strengthen their position in the group, with Gibraltar seeking to take advantage of their home ground and Liechtenstein hoping to capitalize on their recent good form.
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Lineups
Here is the Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein actual lineups today (Sep 8, 2024).
Gibraltar (Coach: Julio Ribas):
- Starting XI:
- Banda (GK)
- Jolley
- Annesley
- Lopes
- C. Walker (C)
- Olivero
- Scanlon
- Bent
- De Barr
- Britto
- Torrilla
- Substitutes:
- Andre Tjay De Barr (58’ for Bartolo)
- Julian Valarino (73’ for Jolley)
Liechtenstein (Coach: Konrad Fünfstück):
- Starting XI:
- Büchel (GK)
- Göppel
- N. Beck
- M. Büchel
- Sele
- Saglam
- Wieser
- Meier
- Luque Notaro
- N. Hasler (C)
- Kindle
- Substitutes:
- Fabio Luque Notaro (75’ for Netzer)
- Kenny Kindle (75’ for Marxer)
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein First Half
The match started with Gibraltar taking the lead early in the 8th minute when captain Liam Walker scored a well-placed goal. Gibraltar maintained the pressure, but Liechtenstein gradually found their footing. The first half was a gritty contest, with both sides creating chances, though neither team managed to score again before the break. As the referee blew for half-time, Gibraltar held onto their narrow 1-0 lead.
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Second Half
The second half kicked off with renewed energy from both teams. Liechtenstein equalized in the 53rd minute through Ferhat Saglam, who was assisted by Marcel Büchel. The game became more intense as both sides committed fouls, leading to several free-kicks and yellow cards being shown.
In the 82nd minute, Gibraltar had a golden opportunity to regain the lead when they were awarded a penalty, but Liam Walker failed to convert. Gibraltar’s frustration was compounded when Joseph Chipolina was sent off in the 90th+7 minute after receiving a red card. Despite being down to 10 men, Gibraltar’s James Scanlon scored in injury time (90’+7), assisted by Julian Valarino, to seemingly seal the win.
However, drama ensued as VAR awarded Liechtenstein a penalty in the 90th+12 minute following a foul by Valarino. Nicolas Hasler calmly slotted home the equalizer, making it 2-2 in the 90’+14 minute.
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Timeline
- 8′ – Goal! Liam Walker (Gibraltar) opens the scoring (1-0).
- 53′ – Goal! Ferhat Saglam (Liechtenstein) levels the score (1-1).
- 82′ – Liam Walker (Gibraltar) misses a penalty.
- 90’+7 – Goal! James Scanlon (Gibraltar) scores (2-1).
- 90’+12 – VAR awards Liechtenstein a penalty.
- 90’+14 – Goal! Nicolas Hasler (Liechtenstein) converts from the spot (2-2).
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Stats
- Shots:
- Gibraltar: 13
- Liechtenstein: 10
- Possession:
- Gibraltar: 52%
- Liechtenstein: 48%
- Yellow Cards:
- Gibraltar: 4 (Annesley, Bartolo, Britto, Torrilla)
- Liechtenstein: 6 (Sele, Meier, Wieser, Kindle, Netzer, Lo Russo)
- Red Cards:
- Gibraltar: 1 (Chipolina)
- Fouls:
- Gibraltar: 17
- Liechtenstein: 14
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Full-Time
The referee blew the final whistle after 14 minutes of injury time, and the match ended in a 2-2 draw. Gibraltar had the upper hand for much of the game, but Liechtenstein’s resilience paid off, earning them a crucial point.
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Impact on the Points Table
This result has minimal impact on both teams’ standings in the group, but the point each team earned keeps their hopes alive for climbing higher. Gibraltar will be disappointed not to secure all three points, especially after leading late into the game. Liechtenstein will be pleased with their fighting spirit and late equalizer.
Gibraltar vs Liechtenstein Man of the Match
Despite missing a penalty, Liam Walker was the standout performer for Gibraltar. His leadership on the pitch and early goal helped set the tone for Gibraltar’s performance. Nicolas Hasler also deserves a mention for calmly converting the late penalty to salvage a draw for Liechtenstein.
In a match filled with drama, Gibraltar and Liechtenstein played out a thrilling 2-2 draw. With VAR overturning decisions and a flurry of late goals, the game showcased the unpredictability of football. Both teams leave Europa Point Stadium with mixed emotions, but they will look to build on this result in their upcoming fixtures.
