Spain are back in action this midweek, with the European giants preparing for another interesting UEFA Euro 2024 qualifier. This time, the three-time champions take on Scotland as La Furia Roja look to make it back-to-back wins on Tuesday.
It should be noted that Spain aren't the only ones who enter this tie on the back of a win. Scotland also kicked off their qualifying campaign with a victory — and a convincing one — by beating Cyprus in their opener.
The Tartan Army scored three past the European island, with Aston Villa's John McGinn opening the scoring. However, there was over an hour between the first and second goal, with Scott McTominay coming off the bench to score a late brace.
The Red Devils midfielder, demoted to a bit-part role at Old Trafford under Erik ten Hag, netted in the 87th minute and three minutes into stoppage time to hand the British nation a brilliant victory.
Beating the Euro 2012 champions will be a tough task for Steve Clarke's side. However, one area where they should draw confidence from is their home form. Scotland are on a four-game winning streak at Hampden Park and have, overall, avoided defeats in their last six European Championship qualifiers.
Andrew Robertson and Co. qualified for Euro 2020 and while they ultimately failed to make it out of the group stage, finishing bottom of the table with zero wins, the Tartan Army will fight tooth and nail to return for the 2024 edition.
Spain, on the other hand, are the favorites to win this tie for reasons that are obvious. The continental powerhouse kicked off their qualifying campaign at home to Norway and secured a 3-0 win in Luis de la Fuente's debut game.
However, that scoreline was a lot more flattering than meets the eye. La Furia Roja opened the scoring early on in the game, with Dani Olmo netting after only 13 minutes. However, Morata and Co. survived several scares.
Spain were fortunate not to concede a penalty after Rodri's controversial tackle on Martin Odegaard in the box, which sparked anger from Arsenal fans as their captain was fortunate to escape unscathed. Likewise, Kepa, who deputized for the injured Unai Simon, was also forced into a number of crucial saves.
However, a super-sub cameo from Joselu secured the victory for the 2010 World Cup winners, with the Espanyol striker completing a two-minute brace in the 83rd and 85th minute.
Norway were without talisman striker Erling Haaland and thus could have won on another day. Nonetheless, these were three crucial points for Spain in their bid to seal a ticket to Germany.
However, the issues that plagued the Luis Enrique side that crashed out of the 2022 FIFA World Cup round of 16 were prevalent once again, particularly in attack, with La Furia Roja lacking the cutting edge in the final third.
Regardless, the visitors boast one of the best records in the European Championship qualifiers as they haven't lost since 2014. Will Scotland be the country to end that unbeaten run? Don't miss this clash.
Team news
Scotland: The 3-0 win over Cyprus came at a cost as Che Adams suffered an injury and was forced to pull out of the squad alongside Anthony Ralston. There are no other concerns outside of that, with Lyndon Dykes expected to lead the line in the absence of the Southampton attacker.
Spain: Joselu will be hoping for a rare start after his brilliant brace in the 3-0 win over Norway but it's hard to see him displace Alvaro Morata. Gavi, who started the previous game, was taken off and could be demoted to the bench. Meanwhile, Pedro Porro will be hopeful for some minutes as well after a brilliant campaign from the former Sporting CP ace this season.
Key stats
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Scotland haven't beaten Spain since pulling off a surprise 3-1 victory in a World Cup qualifier back in 1984.
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La Furia Roja have won three and drawn twice in their last five meetings with the Tartan Army.
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The three-time European Championship winners have lost only once in their last 18 Euro qualifiers (W14 D3).
Broadcast listings
Match details, result and original broadcast info
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