Spain ended their Nations League A Group 4 campaign with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Switzerland at Estadio de Tenerife. Despite fielding a heavily rotated squad, La Roja showcased their resilience and depth in a game filled with twists, penalties, and standout performances. The win solidified their top spot in the group, while Switzerland’s hopes of avoiding relegation depended on the outcome of Serbia’s match against Denmark.
Pedri’s Homecoming and Early Drama
Spain began with energy, dominating the opening half-hour but failing to convert opportunities. A penalty awarded after Alvaro Morata was fouled presented an early chance, but local favorite Pedri, playing in his native Canary Islands, saw his spot-kick saved by Swiss goalkeeper Yvan Mvogo.
The rebound chaos ended with Yeremy Pino finding the back of the net, giving Spain a deserved lead. Moments later, a reckless tackle on Pedri by Miro Muheim raised concerns, but the midfielder continued after treatment, much to the relief of the home crowd.
Switzerland’s Equalizer and Spain’s Response
The second half started with a similar rhythm, but Switzerland capitalized on a rare Spanish defensive lapse. Joel Monteiro missed an early chance but redeemed himself by dribbling through Spain’s defense and scoring between Robert Sanchez’s legs, leveling the game at 1-1.
Spain responded swiftly. Bryan Gil, a former Tottenham Hotspur standout, displayed brilliance by dispossessing Monteiro and firing a thunderous shot past Mvogo, restoring Spain’s lead. His determination and quick thinking stood out as a highlight of the match.
Penalty Drama Dominates the Finale
The closing minutes were chaotic. A high boot by Fabian Ruiz handed Switzerland a lifeline as Andi Zeqiri converted a penalty to equalize at 2-2. Just when it seemed like Switzerland might secure a draw, Bryan Zaragoza earned Spain another penalty after being fouled in the box. Taking responsibility, Zaragoza smashed the ball into the net, securing Spain’s 14th win of the season.
Standout Performers Shine in Rotated Squad
Spain’s depth was on full display, with several players stepping up:
- Marc Casado: Making his first start for the national team, the Barcelona midfielder showcased his ability to control the game’s tempo. His seamless linking of defense and attack provided stability throughout.
- Alejandro Grimaldo: The Bayer Leverkusen fullback was a constant threat on the left flank, combining well with Nico Williams and maintaining defensive discipline.
Struggles for Sanchez in Goal
Robert Sanchez had a night to forget. The Chelsea keeper, deputizing for the injured Unai Simon, failed to impress. Beaten easily for Switzerland’s first goal, he also mishandled a cross that could have proved costly if not for Pau Cubarsi’s quick reaction. With stiff competition from David Raya and Alex Remiro, Sanchez’s performance left much to be desired.
Key Stats from the Match
The numbers reflect a game that was as chaotic as it was thrilling:
| Statistic | Spain | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 61% | 39% |
| Shots on Target | 7 | 4 |
| Penalties Awarded | 2 | 1 |
| Passing Accuracy | 89% | 78% |
Spain’s dominance in possession and accuracy was evident, but Switzerland’s ability to capitalize on limited chances kept the game competitive.
What Lies Ahead for Spain and Switzerland
Spain awaits the draw for the Nations League quarterfinals, set for November 22. As group winners, they will play the second leg at home, giving them a slight edge in the knockout rounds. For Switzerland, survival in League A hinges on Serbia’s result against Denmark, highlighting the precarious nature of their campaign.
This match offered a glimpse of Spain’s potential depth and attacking flair, setting high expectations for their next challenge. Meanwhile, Switzerland must regroup and find solutions if they are to avoid relegation.
