Spain were held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland in an action-packed Nations League contest in Basel that saw Sergio Ramos in the spotlight.
Spain and Switzerland All Square in Entertaining Draw
In a game full of endeavour and tension, goals from Remo Freuler and Gerard Moreno shared the spoils for both nations.
Switzerland Surprise Spain
Both teams started with verve and purpose. Although Spain were more comfortable on the ball and pressing more intensely, it was their Swiss counterparts who created clear cut chances. Xherdan Shaqiri producing a good save from Athletic Bilbao and Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Shortly after forcing that save, Shaqiri again, shooting just over from afar.
And in the 25th minute, Switzerland deservingly took the lead with a lovely left-footed strike from Remo Freuler. He was assisted with a beautiful cross by Breel Embolo.
Spain fought to get back in the game, increasing the intensity. But there was a lack of penetration in the final third from the Spaniards. They were also well marshalled by a resolute Swiss backline.
Sergio Ramos in the Spotlight on Record-Breaking Spain Appearance
After the break, the visitors rallied and commenced positively. But Switzerland had a golden chance to double their advantage when Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón came out of goal. The error allowed Haris Seferovic an attempt at what was an open goal before Sergio Ramos, who made a record-breaking 177th appearance for Spain, managed to get back and clear Seferovic’s effort off the line.
177 – Sergio Ramos 🇪🇸 will make his 177th appearance for Spain (129 wins, 23 goals), becoming the European male player with the most international caps (Gianluigi Buffon 🇮🇹 – 176). Inmortal. pic.twitter.com/RnOZ5uo8q8
— OptaJose (@OptaJose) November 14, 2020
However, the hero became the villain minutes later, seeing his spot-kick saved well by Yann Sommer – Missing from 12 yards out after 25 consecutive successful attempts.
After 25 scored penalties… ⚽@SergioRamos missed two in one match for Spain this evening
❌❌https://t.co/t0UXBPkX8B pic.twitter.com/b5UkZPuaYo
— MARCA in English (@MARCAinENGLISH) November 14, 2020
The game settled down afterwards and the rhythm dropped with a flurry of changes to both teams.
That was until late in the match when Nico Elvedi was sent off for a foul on Álvaro Morata. Yet, sensationally, Ramos missed a penalty for the second time on the night with a poorly strike saved by Sommer.
Late Substitution Earns Draw
Spain had over 10 minutes with a man advantage and dominated the play, creating several chances. But they were lacklustre in front of goal until the 89th minute when substitute Gerard Moreno emphatically converted a crisp Sergio Reguilón cross.
Switzerland showed enough composure and game management to secure the drew they deserved. The Swiss managed to take the sting out of the game. Even with ten men, they showed a well-organised defence with Sommer’s display between the posts matching that of his defence.
Spain dominated the majority of exchanges – creating 20 shots to their opponents seven but it was honours even as the final whistle blew.
La Roja showed nice interplay and all the hallmarks of their identity which has enabled them to suffer just one defeat in almost two years of international matches.
Looking to Tuesday
With this draw, Luis Enrique’s side lose their lead to Germany at the top of their Nations League group with eight points so far.
Spain are next in action on Tuesday, November 17, when they take on Germany in Seville. Meanwhile Switzerland face Ukraine in Lucerne on the same night.
How They Lined Up
Teams:
Spain: Unai Simón, Reguilón, Ramos, Pau Torres, Roberto, Merino, Busquets, Fabián, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres, Olmo.
Substitutes: Morata (55), Koke (71), Canales (71), Traore (71) and Moreno (80)
Switzerland: Sommer, Rodríguez, Akanji, Elveldi, Fernandes, Shaqiri, Freuler, Xhaka, Zuber, Embolo, Seferović.
Substitutes: Steffen (71), Sow (71), Omeragic (83) and Mehmedi (90)
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
