Ten-man Spain delivered a hard-fought victory over Switzerland, securing a 4-1 win in their second Nations League match. The scoreline, however, does not reflect the intense pressure they endured after Robin Le Normand’s first-half dismissal, which forced them to dig deep against a determined Swiss side.
Spain took the lead when Joselu headed home a Lamine Yamal cross, despite Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel’s heroic effort to claw the ball off the line. Switzerland thought they had equalized through Becir Omeragic, but the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) ruled the goal out due to a handball in the build-up, allowing Spain to maintain their lead.
Swiss Pressure After Le Normand’s Red Card
Spain’s control of the game shifted dramatically when Robin Le Normand was sent off midway through the first half. The defender received a straight red card for a professional foul on Breel Embolo as he attempted to deny a clear goal-scoring opportunity. The resulting free-kick from Zeki Amdouni rattled the crossbar, a warning sign of the Swiss offensive that followed.
Switzerland continued to press for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off when Amdouni found the back of the net, pulling one back for the Swiss after a corner scramble. Despite their best efforts, including having another goal disallowed, Switzerland couldn’t break Spain’s resilience, with gaps opening in their defense as they searched for a second goal.
Late Goals Seal Spain’s Victory
Despite being down to ten men, Spain capitalized on Switzerland’s defensive vulnerabilities in the closing stages of the game. Fabian Ruiz scored Spain’s third goal, converting a cross from Ferran Torres with their first shot on target in 45 minutes. Just moments later, substitute Torres himself found the back of the net, driving a low shot into the bottom corner to seal Spain’s 4-1 victory.
This win puts Spain in a favorable position in the Nations League, especially after Denmark’s 2-0 victory over Serbia earlier in the day. Spain, who drew 0-0 with Serbia in their opening match, now have a strong foothold as they aim to defend their title in this prestigious European competition.
Ruiz Leads Spain to Victory Despite Early Red Card
Fabian Ruiz proved to be Spain’s key figure in the match, scoring twice and playing a critical role in both attack and defense. His first goal came in the 13th minute, where he latched onto a rebound after Nico Williams’ shot was parried by Kobel. Despite being reduced to 10 men, Ruiz continued to impact the game both offensively and defensively.
In the second half, Ruiz sealed the win with his second goal in the 77th minute, finishing a low cross from Ferran Torres to restore Spain’s two-goal cushion. Spain’s defense, bolstered by the introduction of Dani Vivian after Le Normand’s dismissal, managed to withstand Switzerland’s pressure. Torres added a fourth goal for Spain, capitalizing on defensive errors from Switzerland to secure the comprehensive 4-1 victory.
Ruiz’s performance highlighted his versatility and ability to contribute in all phases of the game. Despite the red card, his composure and leadership ensured Spain remained competitive, allowing them to comfortably see off Switzerland.
Spain Second in Group, Ruiz Shines as Man of the Match
With this victory, Spain climbed to second place in Group 4 of League A in the UEFA Nations League, just two points behind leaders Denmark. Switzerland, having lost both of their opening fixtures, sits at the bottom of the group. Spain’s tactical discipline and offensive efficiency shone through despite being at a numerical disadvantage for the majority of the match.
The standout performer was undoubtedly Fabian Ruiz, who was named Man of the Match. The Paris Saint-Germain midfielder delivered a complete performance, scoring twice and boasting a 92% pass completion rate. His contributions both defensively and offensively were crucial in Spain’s victory, showcasing his maturity and quality on the international stage. While Joselu also impressed with a goal and an assist, it was Ruiz’s all-around excellence that ensured Spain emerged victorious in this tightly contested match.
