At the start of the Nations League, Spain and Portugal went into a neighboring duel – in which neither could prevail. Spain missed chances, Ronaldo sat on the bench for a long time.
Last year’s finalist Spain missed a prestigious victory at the start of the third edition of the Nations League. The 2010 World Champion only managed to draw 1-1 (1-0) against their neighbor Portugal in Group A2 despite being in the lead. Alvaro Morata (25th minute) scored first for the Spaniards, who lost the final 2-1 to France in October. Substitute Ricardo Horta (82nd) equalized.
Ronaldo long on the bench
A dream goal gave the hosts the lead: young star Gavi initiated a perfect counterattack by winning the ball in his own half. After a sprint of more than 40 meters, the 17-year-old served Pablo Sarabia, who passed the ball directly to the goalscorer Morata. Andre Silva from Leipzig had the best chance to equalize before the break, and his shot just missed the far post (35′).
After the break, the guests increased their attacking efforts: Rafael Leao had the 1-1 on his feet when he was released by Silva, but failed at goalkeeper Unai Simon (59th). A little later, superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who had been on the bench until then, intervened in the Portuguese side. But Horta scored the equaliser.