Spain extended their unbeaten run in official matches in an impressive way against Switzerland. The European Championship winner was pushed to the limit in Geneva after a red card for Robin Le Normand in the twentieth minute, but still won by a large margin.
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Spain's second Nations League match was a tactical showcase from the very beginning.
Right from the fourth minute, 17-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal made his mark. His dazzling dribbling left the Swiss defense in disarray, and his awareness in the box enabled him to deliver a pinpoint cross. Joselu, positioned perfectly to take advantage of the youngster's brilliance, headed home the opening goal, a move that temporarily raised some doubts due to the close call with the goal line. However, VAR confirmed that the ball had crossed fully, giving Spain an early 1-0 lead.
Just minutes later, Switzerland appeared to have responded with an equalizer, only for the goal to be disallowed for handball. Spain, undeterred, continued to dominate the early stages of the game. By the 17th minute, they extended their lead to 2-0. This time, it was the combination of Nico Williams and Fabián Ruiz, two players who had impressed at the European Championship. Williams, after breaking through the defense with blistering pace, saw his effort saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Fabián Ruiz, however, was on hand to capitalize on the rebound, doubling Spain’s advantage.
But just when Spain seemed to be cruising, an unexpected challenge emerged. Robin Le Normand, the center-back who had recently made a high-profile transfer from Real Sociedad to Atlético Madrid, found himself in a precarious situation. In an attempt to stop a breakaway by Swiss forward Breel Embolo, Le Normand committed a foul that left the referee no choice but to show a straight red card. Spain was reduced to ten men with 70 minutes left to play, a daunting prospect against a determined Swiss side.
Switzerland, sensing an opportunity, ramped up the pressure. Just before halftime, Zeki Amdouni capitalized on a corner, pulling a goal back for the Swiss (1-2). Earlier, Amdouni had come close to scoring with a stunning free kick that rattled the crossbar. With Spain now down a player and Switzerland gaining momentum, it seemed the tide was turning.
However, Spain showed remarkable resilience. Despite being a man down, they continued to pose a threat on the counterattack. In the second half, their defensive solidity frustrated the Swiss, while their quick transitions proved lethal. Fabián Ruiz, having already scored once, found the net again in the 67th minute. This time, it was from a well-placed cross by Ferran Torres, who had been brought on as a substitute. Ruiz calmly slotted the ball into the far corner, restoring Spain's two-goal cushion at 3-1.
Just moments later, Spain delivered the final blow. Ferran Torres, now the provider-turned-scorer, finished off a swift counterattack to make it 4-1, sealing the victory for La Roja. Despite playing with ten men for the majority of the match, Spain’s sharp counterattacks and clinical finishing ensured they maintained control.
The reigning European champions demonstrated not only their attacking prowess but also their mental fortitude. Even under the immense pressure of playing a man down, Spain did not collapse. Instead, they extended their unbeaten run in official matches to 17 games. As they look ahead to their next Uefa Nations League fixture against Denmark on October 12th, Spain remains a force to be reckoned with, their confidence bolstered by this remarkable win.
