Switzerland inflict Spain’s first home defeat in almost four years in Nation’s League disaster

Spain lost at home for the first time in almost four years in their Nation’s League match with Switzerland.

Switzerland dealt a massive blow to Spain’s bid to qualify for next year’s Nations League finals after inflicting a home defeat on Luis Enrique’s side in Zaragoza on Saturday, September 24. This was the men’s national side’s first home loss since 2018 when they lost 3-2 to England in the same competition.

🏁 ¡¡FINAL DEL PARTIDO EN ZARAGOZA!!

Lo intentamos hasta el último segundo, pero caemos por la mínima ante Suiza.

¡¡Viajaremos a Portugal para luchar por el pase a la Final Four y solo nos vale GANAR!!

🇪🇸 🆚 🇨🇭 | 1-2 | 90+5’#VamosEspaña | #NationsLeague pic.twitter.com/z3RC5TnlK3

— Selección Española Masculina de Fútbol (@SEFutbol) September 24, 2022

Portugal now top Group A2 after a resounding 4-0 away win against the Czech Republic. Losing to the Swiss now turns the match in Portugal between the two Iberian nations this Tuesday, September 27, into a critical affair for the Spanish. Only one of the teams can progress from the group.

A header from Manuel Akanji put the Swiss in front after 21 minutes. Jordi Alba levelled the scores in the 55th minute, offering the possibility of a comeback. Their hopes were squashed only three minutes later when Eric Garcia, under pressure from Breel Embolo at a corner, turned the ball into his own net to hand the Swiss a famous victory.

Spain had not lost a competitive match in 22 outings across all competitions at the national level until this Saturday. Remarkably, it was only their second home loss since 2003. Luis Enrique now has just a few days to lift the spirits of his players for the Portugal game, where only three points will suffice for the 2021 Nations League runners-up.

Switzerland will face the Czech Republic in the group’s other game, but neither side could overtake Portugal either way.

___________________________________________________________

Thank you for taking the time to read this article. Do remember to come back and check The Euro Weekly News website for all your up-to-date local and international news stories and remember, you can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram.