Don’t deny Spain credit! Luis Enrique rubbishes Swiss error claims

Luis Enrique wouldn’t have Spain denied credit for their slender 1-0 win over Switzerland in the Nations League.

Spain remained in the top spot of Group A4 in the Nations League after overcoming Switzerland in Madrid on Sunday night.

Mikel Oyarzabal’s 14th-minute goal proved decisive for the hosts at Real Madrid’s Alfredo Di Stefano Stadium. The Real Sociedad star capitalized on Granit Xhaka slipping as Yann Sommer attempted to pass the ball to him to put the ball into the back of the net.

That goal came as a result of Switzerland attempting to play the ball out from the back. In the eyes of many it came courtesy of an error from the visitors, but Enrique insisted Spain’s high press was the true reason for their winner.

“It was not their failure, it was a great success from the pressure of Spain,” said the head coach as quoted on SportsMax.

“The reward was huge, it is a great win for the team. I remember only one clear chance for Switzerland, whereas we could have finished the game off in several situations, with Ferran [Torres] in the first half and several in the second, but it is not easy.

“There is nothing I did not like about the performance. To pressure a team like Switzerland, who had three centre-backs and two midfield pivots, is complicated.

“I am also proud of the final stages of the game. At other times we would have gone backwards and today we have done the opposite, we continued to go forward so they couldn’t create chances.”

Spain, who are now unbeaten in 15 games, will meet Ukraine next on Tuesday.