Home » Holders Spain strike late to beat Switzerland in Nations League

Holders Spain strike late to beat Switzerland in Nations League

Holders Spain strike late to beat Switzerland in Nations League



Bryan Zaragoza (right) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal in the win over Switzerland. — AFP/file

Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help Euro 2024 winners Spain beat Switzerland 3-2 in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday. The Nations League holders, already guaranteed top spot in Group A4, twice took the lead but were pegged back by the already-relegated Swiss in Tenerife.

It was the first Spain match on the island in 28 years and fans were able to celebrate a win after Bayern Munich winger Zaragoza´s late spot-kick settled the game.

Coach Luis de la Fuente changed his whole line-up from the win over Denmark on Friday, handing Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aitor Paredes his debut in defence.

Yeremi Pino, a Canary Islander, sent Spain ahead on home territory after 32 minutes after Pedri´s penalty was saved. Captain Alvaro Morata won the penalty and handed Pedri, born in Tenerife, the ball to take the spot kick, but Yvon Mvogo saved the Barcelona midfielder´s effort.