Spain extended their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Denmark in Murcia, securing top position in their UEFA Nations League group.
While the first half was largely a stop-start affair, the match picked up intensity in the second half, culminating in a late winner from Spain’s Martin Zubimendi.
First Half – A Game of Missed Chances and Frustration
The first half of the match was marked by Spain’s dominance in possession, but without the desired cutting edge. Despite holding 61% of the ball, they couldn’t break down a resilient Danish defense. Denmark, while offering occasional glimpses of counter-attacking threat, never truly tested Spain’s goalkeeper, David Raya, in the opening 45 minutes.
Alvaro Morata and Lamine Yamal led Spain’s attacking efforts, with Yamal, in particular, looking dangerous on the right flank. His clever runs and crosses kept the Danish defense on high alert.
Yet, as chances came and went, including a golden opportunity that saw Yamal one-on-one with Kasper Schmeichel, Spain were left ruing their wastefulness in front of goal. By halftime, the scoreline remained 0-0, with Spain slightly edging Denmark on expected goals (xG), with 0.75 compared to Denmark’s meager 0.10.
Second Half – Zubimendi Breaks the Deadlock
The club’s second-half performance was more energetic, spurred by tactical changes from coach Luis de la Fuente. The introduction of Mikel Merino and Alejandro Baena gave La Roja more control in midfield and a better flow in attack. Denmark, however, began to show signs of fatigue and struggled to maintain their earlier defensive shape.
Spain’s persistence paid off in the 79th minute. A Baena cross was cleared poorly by Danish defender Victor Nelsson, and the ball fell perfectly for Martin Zubimendi at the edge of the penalty area.
Zubimendi didn’t hesitate – he fired a low, driven shot into the bottom-right corner, leaving Schmeichel rooted to the spot. The strike gave Spain the breakthrough they so desperately needed, and the crowd in Murcia erupted in celebration.
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Denmark’s Fading Hope and Final Push
Despite conceding the goal, Denmark didn’t go down without a fight. Lars Knudsen’s men tried to rally and pushed forward aggressively in the closing stages, introducing Manchester United’s rising star Rasmus Hojlund to add fresh legs to their attack.
However, the Danish team’s efforts lacked precision, and they failed to create any meaningful chances that would test Spain’s defense.
Denmark’s night was made worse by a series of late yellow cards, reflecting their frustration as the match slipped away from them. Hjulmand, Bah, and Nelsson all found themselves in the referee’s book for cynical fouls, while Schmeichel continued to be the standout for Denmark, making crucial saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Zubimendi – Spain’s Hero of the Night
While the club’s forward line, led by Morata and Yamal, didn’t find the back of the net, it was Zubimendi who stole the spotlight. His composed finish under pressure showcased his growing importance in Spain’s midfield, especially in the absence of injured stars like Rodri.
Zubimendi’s goal ensured that Spain secured all three points, moving them to the top of the Nations League group, and keeping them on course for qualification. His performance, along with the solid work from Laporte and Porro at the back, ensured that Spain could hold off Denmark’s late surge.
For Spain, this victory represents not only a continuation of their unbeaten run but also a statement of intent as they look to build on their Euro 2024 triumph. Coach Luis de la Fuente has successfully blended youth and experience in his squad, with players like Yamal and Zubimendi emerging as key contributors.
Denmark, on the other hand, will need to regroup. While they’ve shown promise under Knudsen, especially with back-to-back wins against Switzerland and Serbia, they’ll need to find more creativity in attack if they are to challenge the likes of Spain in the group. Despite their defensive resilience, Denmark’s lack of offensive firepower left them with only 0.10 xG, a clear indicator that more is needed if they are to advance in the Nations League.
Key Takeaways:
- Zubimendi’s Goal: The match-winner came in the 79th minute with a perfectly struck shot from the edge of the area.
- Spain’s Possession Dominance: With 61% possession, Spain controlled the tempo but lacked cutting edge until Zubimendi’s strike.
- Denmark’s Struggles: Denmark only managed 0.10 xG, showing their lack of offensive threat throughout the game.
This win puts Spain in a strong position in their Nations League group, while Denmark will need to improve in attack if they want to progress further.
