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MADRID, Oct.10 (Xinhua) – Spain claimed a well-deserved 1-0 home win over Switzerland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday night after 90 tactical minutes in which clear opportunities were very important.
Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal in the 13th minute gave the Spaniards victory, meaning they have seven points from their first three matches in the competition after previously drawing in Germany and beating Ukraine (who they play again on Tuesday) .
Spain coach Luis Enrique made several changes to his side, with David de Gea returning in goal, while Ansu Fati was on the left of the Spanish attack and Oyarzabal returned to action after missing the midweek friendly in Portugal after a coronavirus inconclusive test.
The first part began with both sides looking to pressure the other at the top of the field and as a result of that pressure the Swiss forced the first opportunity of the game when De Gea was forced to make a flying save to deny Loris’s powerful left-handed shot Benito from within the area.
Spain took the lead thanks to their efforts to pin the Swiss when Granit Xhaka slipped when Yann Sommer attempted a short pass outside the goal. Mikel Merino picked up the ball and fed his Real Sociedad teammate Oyarzabal to beat Sommer in the 13th minute corner.
The Swiss kept trying to get the ball from behind, but Spain did not allow them any time with the ball and Sommer redeemed himself with a good save to stop Ferran Torres’ header after a fluid play ended with Jesús Navas putting up a good pass. Cross into the Swiss area.
Oyarzabal had a chance to double Spain’s lead early in the second half but threw a wide volley when perhaps he should have hit the target and shortly after Luis Enrique made a double chance with Adama Traore and Sergio Canales replaced Dani Olmo and Ansu Fati.
However, although the Spaniard seemed to be in control, chances did not come and Gerard López replaced Oyarzabal, although Sommer did not stretch in the second half.
At the other extreme, Switzerland could not force De Gea to act other than claim a pair of centers in their area. Final product
