Friday night delivered a dream start for Leonardo Barroso, the young defender making his first appearance for Portugal’s Under-21 national team. Not only did his squad secure a dominant 5-0 victory over Azerbaijan, but Barroso also found the back of the net. The match was part of the qualification round for the European Championship, and for Barroso, it truly was “a very happy night.”
Speaking after the game, the Chicago Fire player couldn’t hide his joy. “It was a happy night,” he shared with reporters. “We played well, the team performed strongly, and we really showed what we’ve been practicing.” For him, the personal milestones made the evening even sweeter. “My debut and my first goal,” he added, “I’m very happy.”
Barroso usually plays as a left-back. However, he stepped into the right-back position to cover for Travassos. The young player made it clear that he’s comfortable wherever he’s needed. “I feel comfortable on both sides,” he explained, “I don’t have a preference for playing on one side or the other.” His versatility proved a valuable asset on the field.
The match also marked Luís Freire’s debut as the Under-21 coach. Despite the large winning margin, Portugal didn’t break the deadlock until the second half, scoring three quick goals. Barroso recalled the coach’s calm approach during the break. “The message was very clear: keep calm, and the goal would appear,” he noted. “And that’s exactly what happened.”
This strong win gives the team a solid boost in confidence heading into their next challenge against Scotland. “Of course it does,” Barroso affirmed. “We’re going into the game against Scotland with more confidence, and we’ll keep working hard for it to be a good match.” The team aims to carry this momentum forward.
Joining a squad with many players already making names for themselves on big stages was a big step for Barroso. He sees it as a positive experience for his future. “I’m happy to be in this setting,” he admitted. “It’s good for me and for my career.” He acknowledged some pre-game nerves, which is natural for any debut. Yet, once he stepped onto the pitch, that anxiety faded away. “It’s normal,” he concluded, “but when you’re on the field, it passes.”