Spain were not able to beat Portugal on home soil despite their dominant performance.
Portugal and Spain drew 1-1 in their UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday. A late equalizer from Ricardo Horta was enough for the visitors to escape the defeat at Benito Villamarin.
A thrilling draw!
As expected, Spain started the game by taking charge of possession while Portugal sat back to hurt their opponents on the counter-attacks.
Following 25 minutes of relentless attacks, Portugal’s backline finally cracked under pressure from the Spanish forwards. Alvaro Morata made it 1-0 for La Roja after a brilliant piece of buildup play by Gavi and Pablo Sarabia.
Portugal created a few serious chances to get back into the game but were not able to convert them. However, they looked much better as soon as the second half started.
Cristiano Ronaldo replaced Otavio just after the hour-mark as Portugal went all-in with their attacks. They left enough space behind their backline to let Spain conduct several counter-attacks.
However, having survived Spain’s attempts to double their lead, Portugal finally clinched the equalizer in the 82nd minute. Following a one-two with Gonçalo Guedes, Joao Cancelo whipped a precise cutback to Ricardo Horta, who nodded home from 12 yards.
Spain pushed hard to restore their lead, with Jordi Alba missing a huge chance in the 86th minute. However, Portugal held on to their equalizer and escaped with a draw.
Player Ratings
Spain: Simon (6), Alba (5), Torres (6), Llorente (6), Azpilicueta (6), Busquets (7), Soler (6), Gavi (8), Torres (6), Morata (7), Sarabia (7).
Bench: Koke (7), Llorente (6), De Tomas (6), Olmo (6).
Portugal: Costa (6), Cancelo (7), Danilo (6), Pepe (6), Guerero (7), Fernandes (6), Moutinho (5), B. Silva (6), Otavio (7), A. Silva (7), Leão (6).
Bench: Nunes (6), Neves (6), Ronaldo (6), Horta (7), Guedes (7).
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