Spain opened the De la Fuente era with a difficult defeat, paying a heavy price for defensive mistakes. The new approach, which involved eight changes, didn’t settle in quickly, and only Joselu managed to threaten Scotland with a crossbar header as a rare bright moment in an otherwise tough outing.
Relating to
Balde and Olmo will not play against Scotland
The decision to omit Balde and limit Gavi to just a quarter of an hour proved costly. Spain failed to match the British pace and intensity, struggling to keep up with a quick-fire Scottish tempo.
The right flank proved Spain’s Achilles heel. Pedro Porro faltered on the opening goal, while Carvajal failed to cover the second. De la Fuente reshaped the defense, with David García as the lone familiar face among newcomers.
Central options in the three-quarter zone, including Oyarzabal and Ceballos, did not deliver the spark expected. The changes offered minimal impact, save for Nico Williams, who provided a burst of speed.
Kepa (5) Milkshakes
He had little answer for the two goals and a crossbar rescue denied him a third. He encouraged the team to play longer, trying to spark some relief through aerial balls. Even with the conceded goals, his character shone through.
Pedro Porro (3) Bully
Porro struggled in his second international appearance. He slipped at Scotland’s opener and was later jeered after taking a hit from Robertson. His overall impact was limited, failing to offer security on the flank.
David Garcia (5)
Making his debut in challenging conditions, his performance showed courage and a strong work ethic. He faced a tough test and, apart from the second Scottish goal, held firm, bringing energy and enthusiasm to his first cap.
Inigo Martinez (4) Undecided
Martinez appeared unsettled and needed to organize the defense better. He looked uncomfortable at times, leaving space for opponents to probe and exposing gaps near Kepa’s area.
Gayà (4) Shy
Gayà offered limited involvement; when he did join the attack, his crosses carried danger. Comparisons to Balde’s pace underscored the missed contribution on the flank, and Blaugrana’s speed had not been fully realized.
Rodri (5) Stuck
Rodri showed leadership and nearly forced an equalizer with a late header from a corner. The team lacked a consistent inner game to unlock Scotland’s defense and create more chances on the break.
Merino (5) Time-lapse
Merino tried to anchor the midfield and delivered crucial balls, including a cross that Joselu nearly converted off the crossbar. He fought hard to be everywhere, acting as a second pivot, though the exertion wasn’t fully reflected in the scoreline.
Yéremy Pino (5) Persistent
Pino was the most proactive player, taking on opponents one-on-one on both flanks. He offered energy and persistence, even if the end product wasn’t always perfect.
Ceballos (4) Disappointing
The Real Madrid midfielder carried high expectations, yet he failed to deliver decisive flourishes. He was crowded by the opponent’s defense and unable to find the right moments to unlock the defense.
Oyarzabal (4) Cold
Oyarzabal hasn’t reached peak form after his return from injury. Operating from the left, he saw limited involvement and struggled to connect with the build-up in the three-quarter zone. A halftime substitution followed.
Joselu (7) Finisher
Joselu remained the most dangerous outlet, surviving the pressure for long stretches. He produced two strong headers, with one hitting the crossbar, and was penalized for a non-attributable interference. His presence up front created the most dangerous moments for Scotland.
player change
Karvajal (4). Overcome
The substitution for Pedro Porro failed to yield a breakthrough. He lost possession and struggled against Scotland’s pace, pressing less effectively and failing to tilt the balance.
Nico Williams (6) Determined
Nico Williams provided energy on the left flank, dragging defenders and offering a consistent outlet. His runs created occasional openings as teammates looked to him to spark momentum.
Blades (5) Misplaced
Several players found it difficult to settle the team into a cohesive rhythm. The overall balance slumped, and a late red card reflected a mis-timed challenge rather than a calculated risk.
Borja Iglesias (4) Irrelevant
Joselu’s performance created more pressure on the Scottish defense than Iglesias was able to separate. He failed to offer a clear goal threat, leaving the attack blunt in the face of pressure.
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Gavi (6) Late
Gavi arrived late to the scene, his impact limited at the end. He entered with intent, offering bursts of energy and trying to spark a late push, but the goal still eluded them.