Holders Spain strike late to beat Switzerland in Nations League

Bryan Zaragoza (right) celebrates scoring his teams third goal in the win over Switzerland. — AFP/file


Bryan Zaragoza (right) celebrates scoring his team’s third goal in the win over Switzerland. — AFP/file

Bryan Zaragoza won and converted a late penalty to help Euro 2024 winners Spain beat Switzerland 3-2 in a Nations League dead rubber on Monday. The Nations League holders, already guaranteed top spot in Group A4, twice took the lead but were pegged back by the already-relegated Swiss in Tenerife.

It was the first Spain match on the island in 28 years and fans were able to celebrate a win after Bayern Munich winger Zaragoza´s late spot-kick settled the game.

Coach Luis de la Fuente changed his whole line-up from the win over Denmark on Friday, handing Athletic Bilbao centre-back Aitor Paredes his debut in defence.

Yeremi Pino, a Canary Islander, sent Spain ahead on home territory after 32 minutes after Pedri´s penalty was saved. Captain Alvaro Morata won the penalty and handed Pedri, born in Tenerife, the ball to take the spot kick, but Yvon Mvogo saved the Barcelona midfielder´s effort.


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