Spain have misplaced their first remaining underneath Luis de la Fuente as La Roja suffered penalty shootout UEFA Nations League heartbreak towards Portugal.
A 2-2 draw after 120 minutes meant the tie went to identify kicks in Munich as De la Fuente noticed his title defence ended on the Allianz Area.
Veteran striker Alvaro Morata was denied by Diogo Costa, and Ruben Neves transformed, to dent Spain’s spectacular momentum in 2025.
Basque stars shine for Spain endure
Spain loved the higher probabilities within the first half, however there was a contact of fortune about their opening aim, as Martin Zubimendi poked house from shut vary on 21 minutes.
A rampaging burst ahead from PSG left-back Nuno Mendes allowed him to blast Portugal degree however Spain had the ultimate say earlier than the break.
Pedri’s intelligent go slipped Mikel Oyarzabal in behind Ruben Dias and the Actual Sociedad striker timed his run completely to steer La Roja again in entrance.
Nonetheless, Portugal responded positively to the problem after the restart, because the irrepressible Ronaldo fired house after Spain did not clear a ball into the field.
The alternatives started to move as either side pushed for a winner, however the contest was determined by the ruthlessness of spot kicks, as Ronaldo and Co. received the day.
Low key Lamine Yamal symbolises Spain struggles
It’s an indication of how vital Lamine Yamal is for Spain that an off key efficiency from the 17-year-old prompts main questions.
Not for the primary time this season, he was nullified in a direct battle with Mendes, and his influence was minimal from Spain’s right-side.
A private xG of 0.1 underlines how effectively shackled he was by Mendes with simply two pictures on the right track.
He created only one likelihood within the sport with solely 4 profitable passes into the opposition remaining third.
Photos through One Soccer/Getty Photos