UEFA Nations League: Ten-Man Spain Run Riot Over Switzerland In 4-1 Walloping

Spain secured a commanding 4-1 victory against Switzerland in Geneva on Sunday, marking their first win since clinching the Euro 2024 title. The triumph came in a hard-fought match where Spain had to navigate a challenging situation, playing with 10 men for most of the game. Despite the adversity, the Spanish side, led by manager Luis de la Fuente, showcased their resilience and determination, sending a strong message to their competitors in the UEFA Nations League.

The match witnessed a quick start from Spain, who took control early, with Joselu and Fabian Ruiz finding the back of the net within the first 15 minutes. However, their momentum seemed to take a hit when Robin Le Normand was sent off just seven minutes after Ruiz’s goal. Switzerland attempted a comeback, with Zeki Amdouni pulling one back for the hosts before halftime. Yet, Spain held their ground and sealed their victory with two more goals in the second half, securing a crucial win on the road.

Joselu’s Brilliance Shines

The night began on a high note for Spain, with former Newcastle and Alaves striker Joselu making an immediate impact. The experienced forward, now playing for Al-Gharafa in Qatar, rose to the occasion and delivered a fourth-minute header that set the tone for the match. Lamine Yamal’s pinpoint cross found Joselu at the far post, and despite a desperate attempt from Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, the ball crossed the line after a VAR review, giving Spain an early lead.

Joselu’s goal was a testament to his positioning and composure, and his performance earned praise from his manager. “I am very happy for all the players, especially Joselu,” said de la Fuente. “He is a player that I appreciate a lot. He always works very hard to help the team improve, and he had a great match tonight.” Joselu’s contribution in attack was instrumental in Spain’s dominance, and his efforts were crucial in maintaining the team’s confidence throughout the game.

Fabian Ruiz Doubles the Lead

Spain didn’t take long to double their advantage, as Fabian Ruiz found the back of the net just nine minutes after Joselu’s opener. Nico Williams burst through the Swiss defense after receiving a precise pass from Yamal, but his shot was saved by Kobel. However, Ruiz was on hand to capitalize on the rebound, blasting the ball into the net to put Spain two goals ahead.

The early blitz from Spain left the Swiss defense scrambling, and the quick-fire goals established the visitors’ dominance. Ruiz, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, showcased his attacking prowess throughout the match, and his contributions were vital in maintaining Spain’s momentum, even after going down to 10 men. Ruiz’s performance was a reminder of his versatility and importance to the team, and his brace in this match was a testament to his attacking instincts.

Le Normand’s Red Card Drama

The match took a dramatic turn in the 20th minute when Spain’s defender Robin Le Normand was sent off for a foul on Breel Embolo. The challenge occurred just outside the penalty area, and after consulting VAR, the referee showed Le Normand a straight red card. This dismissal left Spain with a numerical disadvantage for the remaining 70 minutes of the match, and it appeared to give Switzerland a lifeline.

Amdouni rattled the crossbar with the resulting free kick, and the Swiss fans in the Stade de Geneve began to sense a shift in momentum. Despite the setback, Spain remained composed, reorganizing their defensive structure and managing to maintain their lead. The red card incident tested the team’s resilience, and they responded with a disciplined and determined performance to ensure they didn’t let the game slip away.

Switzerland’s Brief Comeback

Switzerland managed to claw their way back into the match just before halftime. A well-taken corner from Ruben Vargas was flicked on by Embolo, and Amdouni was in the right place at the right time to finish the move, sending the Swiss fans into a frenzy. The goal reignited hopes for the home side, and Switzerland pushed forward in search of an equalizer as they capitalized on their numerical advantage.

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin acknowledged the impact of the goal and reflected on his team’s performance. “We really started being courageous and aggressive, and we were punished for that,” he said. “We came back into the game, created chances, hit the bar, and there should have been a penalty. But in the last 20 minutes, we did not have luck on our side in the decisive moments of the game.” Despite their best efforts, Switzerland couldn’t find a second goal, and their comeback attempt ultimately fell short.

Spain’s Defiant Second-Half Performance

Spain’s ability to withstand pressure and close out the game in the second half was a testament to their tactical discipline and mental toughness. Playing with 10 men for such a significant portion of the match could have led to defensive lapses, but Spain managed to keep the Swiss attack at bay. De la Fuente’s side showed maturity and cohesion, staying organized and waiting for opportunities to hit on the counterattack.

In the 77th minute, Fabian Ruiz struck again, capping off a brilliant individual performance. Substitute Ferran Torres played a key role in the build-up, delivering a precise cross from the byline that found Ruiz in space. The PSG midfielder made no mistake with the finish, scoring his second goal of the match and effectively ending any hopes Switzerland had of a comeback.

Torres himself got on the scoresheet just three minutes later, delivering the coup de grace with a composed finish that left Kobel flat-footed. Spain’s ability to continue attacking despite being a man down highlighted their quality and determination, and the fourth goal was the perfect conclusion to a gritty and impressive performance.

Pitch Problems and Swiss Disappointment

While Spain celebrated their victory, Switzerland was left to reflect on what could have been. The match, played in front of a sell-out crowd of 26,265 at the Stade de Geneve, was marred by poor pitch conditions, with fungus causing issues with the grass. Despite efforts to cover the holes with green paint, the pitch remained problematic throughout the game, and it likely affected both teams’ ability to play at their best.

Switzerland’s night was further complicated by injuries and suspensions. Captain Granit Xhaka and defender Nico Elvedi were both absent, and their influence was sorely missed. Xhaka’s leadership and experience would have been invaluable, particularly in a match where the Swiss struggled to maintain composure at key moments. Yakin acknowledged that his team lacked the necessary luck and precision to capitalize on Spain’s red card and turn the game in their favor.

Despite the disappointing result, Switzerland will look to bounce back in their upcoming matches, knowing that they still have time to recover in their Nations League campaign. For Spain, the victory was a statement of intent as they continue to build on their success at Euro 2024. Their performance in Geneva demonstrated their ability to overcome adversity and maintain their status as one of Europe’s top footballing nations.

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