Germany hosted Spain in Stuttgart last night and made up the opening match of League A for the 2020/21 UEFA Nations League, along with Ukraine who hosted Switzerland in Lviv. It was a dramatic match with entertaining football, many chances, and exclamation marks. At times, La Roja struggled, but Jose Luis Gaya’s last-second equalizer rescued a point for Spain against Germany.
Last-Second Equalizer Rescues Point for Spain Against Germany in Nations League
David De Gea Heroics Kept German Onslaught at Bay
Germany dominated the first 20 minutes of the match. Had it not been for De Gea’s superb goalkeeping, Spain could have very well been down by two or even three goals before half-time. The visitors would have to wait until the 22nd minute before even having a single shot – an decent strike from Sergio Busquets that was nonetheless a routine save for Kevin Trapp.
Despite Spain’s chances and near-chances, Germany clearly had the upper hand. Die Mannschaft were notably better at getting the ball into wider areas and creating better chances.
Ansu Fati Almost Became a Hero
The German onslaught persisted in the second half, and they fairly obtained the lead in the 51st minute after a clinical finish by Timo Werner. Germany further cemented their superiority in the minutes following the goal and it seemed victory was inevitable.
Then something changed. There is not one defining moment, but Spain got into the game gradually, creating more and more chances. Eventually, the 17-year-old rising star Ansu Fati equalized for La Roja during added time – except he didn’t. Sergio Ramos conceded a pointless free-kick and Fati’s first international goal was disallowed.
Most people assumed that was Spain’s last opportunity. They didn’t quit, though, finding the equalizer in the 95th minute, despite only four minutes being added on. Jose Luis Gaya’s header denied Germany a win and earned Spain a well-deserved point.
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