If there’s one thing Spain have proven, it’s that they are one of the most dangerous teams on the continent — even when they have 10 men. The European champions had Robin Le Normand sent off in the 20th minute of their last UEFA Nations League game against Switzerland in September, yet still romped to a 4-1 victory away from home.
The Spaniards were already 2-0 up at the time of the dismissal and could have easily imploded after Zeki Amdouni pulled one back. But just as they did at Euro 2024, Spain grew stronger as they cruised to a big win — with Fabian Ruiz and Ferran Torres making the scoreline comfortable despite having to dig deep.
Digging deep is not something Spain have had to do often. They were in uncharted waters as Switzerland dominated the lion’s share of the ball and racked up 20 efforts on goal, but the Spaniards’ resolve didn’t deter as they kept things rigid at the back and waited for their moment to open up.
Now an even bigger challenge is on the horizon. Saturday’s game against Denmark will be a coronation of sorts as Spain supporters prepare to cheer their Euro 2024-winning heroes in their first home game since winning the trophy this summer.
Luis de la Fuente’s side are now eyeing up a second Nations League trophy, but this time it is Denmark who are on top of their group. The Danes got two straight wins to open up their campaign — scoring four unanswered goals in the process. They boast six points to Spain’s four as things stand.
Saturday’s match shouldn’t be a straight-forward task for Spain against an in-form team who are flourishing under new manager Lars Knudsen. The Danes look refreshed and with renewed confidence after winning 2-0 in each of their last two games against Switzerland and Serbia.
Playing Spain away from home will be a totally different equation for Denmark, however, and they don’t have a good record against the Spaniards at all. They’ve only beaten Spain twice in their 16 meetings in all competitions — and you have to go back to March 1993 for the last time they tasted victory, a 1-0 World Cup qualifying win.
The one thing that Denmark might take confidence from is Spain losing a number of key players through injury. They are without star midfielder Rodri — who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering an ACL blow. Right back Dani Carvajal also won’t be involved after he sustained his own season-ending injury for Real Madrid.
Le Normand will miss this match through suspension, while Nico Williams has withdrawn from the squad after complaining of “discomfort” and has been replaced by Sergio Gomez.
Meanwhile, captain Alvaro Morata and Euro 2024 final goalscorer Mikel Oyarzabal are back in the squad, as is Alex Baena. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino and Pedro Porro have also been recalled having missed the last international break.
For Denmark, they will be pleased to welcome back talismanic striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Manchester United forward recently returned to action from injury and is now in line to lead the line against Spain.
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Spain vs Denmark odds
Odds from BetFair and updated as of 9 p.m. BST Friday.
- Spain win: 4/11 (-275)
- Draw: 18/5 (+360)
- Denmark win: 7/1 (+700)
Venue: Estadio Enrique Roca de Murcia — Murcia
Time: 7:45 p.m. BST (2:45 p.m. ET), Saturday
Streaming: Fubo (US only, try for free)
Form guide (all competitions)
Spain: W-D-W-W-W
Denmark: W-W-L-D-D
Match prediction
Spain 3-1 Denmark
Denmark are no pushovers and should make Spain work for their victory, but De La Fuente’s men have top-level quality in every area of the pitch, even without a number of their best players.
(Photo of Joselu and Lamine Yamal: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP via Getty Images)