Spain fall to 17-year low with defeat to Scotland

Spain fall to 17-year low with defeat to Scotland

Faruq Ibrahim 21:55 - 28.03.2023

Spain suffered a shock defeat to Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying.

The Spanish team from the one that was triumphant against Norway was heavily rotated, so a tough game was expected, but a 2-0 defeat to Scotland was certainly not anticipated.  

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La Roja went away to Scotland as they attempted to make it two in two in their Euro 2024 qualifiers. However, it was the Scots, who also won their first game, that now seat at the top of qualifying Group A.

How it happened

Spain's new manager, Luis De La Fuente, made seven changes from the team that beat Norway 3-0.

The changes seemed to have destabilised his side, who fell behind in only seven minutes when man-on-fire Scott McTominay connected on an assist by Andrew Robertson to fire the hosts ahead. 

Scott McTominay celebrates scoring for Scotland against Spain
Scott McTominay celebrates scoring for Scotland against Spain

Scotland came close to making it two before Spain wrestled control, and led a period of dominance that amounted to nothing, as the first-half ended 1-0.

The second-half started with Spain quick out of the gate, but only six minutes after the resumption, their deficit became worse, with McTominay grabbing his brace to put Scotland two goals up.  

Spain made substitutions and tried to break down Scotland, who had set up a blockade to protect their lead, but they did not manage to find in-roads. 

The later stages of the game played out in flow, with Spain seeing the bulk of the ball, but it never amounted to anything before the game ended. 

Worst defeat in seven years for Spain 

The 2-0 loss to Scotland was the biggest margin for a Spain defeat in seven years, the last coming in 2016 when they lost 2-0 to Italy in the Euros. 

They have also never lost by a two-goal or more in Euro qualifying since their defeat by the same scoreline to Sweden in 2006. 

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