Isaac Price's hat-trick propelled Northern Ireland to an impressive 5-0 victory over Bulgaria, securing their position at the top of their Nations League group. After a frustrating goalless draw against Belarus, Northern Ireland unleashed their frustration on Bulgaria, with Price becoming the first Northern Ireland player to score a treble since David Healy's 4-1 win against Liechtenstein in March 2007. Price's first two goals were followed by a third from Brodie Spencer, whose shot hit the post and rebounded off the Bulgaria goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, making it 3-0 at halftime. Price completed his hat-trick with a stunning rising shot from the edge of the box, and Josh Magennis added a late fifth goal. Northern Ireland's last 5-0 home win was in April 1971 when George Best scored a hat-trick against Cyprus. With Belarus and Luxembourg drawing 1-1, Northern Ireland lead League C Group 3 by one point ahead of their final games next month.
Meanwhile, European champions Spain secured their place in the Nations League quarter-finals with a 3-0 win against Serbia. Goals from Aymeric Laporte, Álvaro Morata, and Álex Baena ensured Spain's victory, despite missing several key players from their Euro 2024 final win against England. Spain dominated the match with 30 shots to Serbia's three. Laporte opened the scoring with a close-range header, and Morata extended the lead with a strike from inside the box. Serbia's Strahinja Pavlovic was sent off for a foul on Mikel Oyarzabal, and Baena sealed the win with a free-kick.
In other matches, Denmark's Christian Eriksen scored and assisted in a 2-2 draw with Switzerland. Switzerland took the lead through Remo Freuler, but Eriksen quickly equalized with a free-kick. Zeki Amdouni restored Switzerland's lead from the penalty spot, but Eriksen's second goal secured a draw for Denmark.
Poland staged a dramatic comeback to draw 3-3 with Croatia. After falling behind early, Croatia scored three quick goals but were pegged back by Poland, who equalized twice. The match ended with Croatia's goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic being sent off, but Poland failed to capitalize on the numerical advantage.
