Abel Ruiz scores quickest goal in U21 Euros history as Spain and Ukraine reach quarter-finals

Spain qualified for the knockout stages of the European Under-21 Championship after Abel Ruiz scored the quickest goal in tournament history to seal a 1-0 win over Croatia. The Spanish captain latched onto a cross from Manchester City's Sergio Gomez to sweep home a finish with just 20 seconds on the clock in Bucharest. Ad It shaved nine seconds off the previous record for the fastest tournament goal — Florian Wirtz’s effort for Germany against the Netherlands in 2021 — and proved enough to earn Spain a place in the quarter-finals.

U-21 EuroJones sees red after clashing with Croatia players following England exit31/03/2021 AT 19:20 Santi Denia’s side dominated possession and restricted their opponents to few opportunities in the first half. But Spain keeper Arnau Tenas was called into action late on to stop a Matija Frigan volley and protect his side’s lead. Spain will be joined in the last eight by Ukraine, who also booked themselves a top-two finish in Group B with a game to spare by beating Romania 1-0.

All the drama came late on as a Victor Dican own goal opened the scoring before Vladyslav Vanat was sent off for Ukraine. Ramsey and Smith Rowe fire England to opening win over Czech Republic at U21 Euros Arsenal's title collapse 'will be painful for the rest of my life', says Odegaard The Ukrainians and Spain, who will face off for top spot next, have a perfect record of two wins from two, while Croatia and Romania are yet to pick up a point. Hosts Georgia are sitting two points clear on top of Group A after the first two rounds of action.