Spain faced an unexpected setback against Switzerland at La Romareda on the final day of the Nations League, leaving the team with a clear question: could they secure the strongest possible test before a World Cup looming in less than two months? Portugal had already crushed the Czech Republic at home, and that result effectively sealed Portugal’s path to the next phase of the Nations League, setting up a must-watch clash for the final rounds.
The Braga Municipal Stadium will stage a genuine final. The scenario echoes two years ago when Luis Enrique’s squad needed victory against Germany in La Cartuja to reach the Final Four. That night, a historic win over the Germans provided a turning point and a beacon of confidence.
But this time the atmosphere will be starkly different. The Spanish fans’ fervor might be absent, if not outright quiet, as tickets have been scarce for weeks. Braga’s grand arena stands as an architectural jewel, ready to host more than 30,000 Portuguese supporters packed into the stands, turning the venue into a pressure cooker.
Adding to the pressure, Spain has not won on Portuguese soil in 19 years. The last triumph came on September 6, 2003, when Fernando Torres marked his debut for La Roja by helping the team to a 0-3 victory against Portugal at the Alberto de Guimarães stadium in Guimarães, about 15 kilometers from Braga.
After the Portugal match against Switzerland, it was described as the most demanding halftime in Luis Enrique’s tenure as coach. The coach reimagined the lineup, altering almost every line and position, deploying Alvaro Morata as the central striker after a failed experiment with Marco Asensio as a false nine. Morata, a Madrid stalwart, embraced the challenge with grit and perseverance, earning a chance to remain in the starting XI.
The defense was tasked with restoring solidity that had faltered in Zaragoza. After two matches, Switzerland exposed a defense that longed for Aymeric Laporte’s presence, with the injured center back sidelined and a lack of physical strength on the ball. Changes are anticipated at the full-back positions, with Dani Carvajal and Jose Luis Gayá coming in for Cesar Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba, while Diego Llorente is expected to replace Eric García at the heart of the defense.
Midfield balance will be critical: Rodri will anchor the engine room alongside Koke, while Gavi and Pedri look to shed any residual rust after returning to national duty with performances below their peak. The setup will aim to maximize possession and tempo, pressing higher up the pitch and exploiting Spain’s technical superiority in transition.
At the sharp end, a Morata return is anticipated as the clock winds down in La Romareda. He has not found the net in his last three appearances and will shoulder the responsibility of leading the line. Marco Asensio and Pablo Sarabia will continue to be entrusted by Luis Enrique for high-stakes moments, providing pace, positioning, and finishing know-how.
Fewer changes are expected for Fernando Santos’ XI after Portugal’s solid display in Prague, where they dispatched the Czech Republic 0-4. The Portuguese coach is likely to persist with Ruben Neves in midfield, flanked by Bruno Fernandes and William Carvalho. Santos expects Spain’s 4-3-3 to demand a high level of physical effort in the middle of the park, a test Portugal believes they can meet with disciplined structure and quick transitions.
Although Rui Patricio and Diogo Costa have alternated in goal, Santos may give continuity to the Porto keeper for the decisive clash against Spain. Diogo will be fielded alongside a dynamic defense, with Cancelo and Nuno Mendes on the flanks, and Diogo Dalot and Mario Rui operating on the wings or full-back positions as required by the setup.
As for offensive personnel, Joao Felix is expected to begin on the bench, with Portugal’s attacking unit comprising Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, and Cristiano Ronaldo ready to deliver moments of class and decisive goals when opportunities arise.
Possible cadres:
Portugal: Diogo Costa; Cancelo, Ruben Dias, Danilo Pereira, Nuno Mendes; Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Neves, William Carvalho; Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Pau Torre, Diego Llorente, Gayà; Rodri, Koke, Pedri; Marco Asensio, Morata, Sarabia.
Judge: Daniele Orsato (ITA)
Stadium: Municipal de Braga.
Hour: 20:45 Peninsula Time.