Switzerland surprisingly won the Nations League 2-1 (1-0) in Spain. Portugal clearly prevailed in the Czech Republic 4-0 (2-0).
This puts the Portuguese in first place with 10 points going into the last matchday, ahead of Spain with two points less. Switzerland (6 points) is third in the group.
In Zaragoza, the Swiss took the lead through a goal by ex-Dortmunder Manuel Akanji (21st minute). Jordi Alba (55th) equalized after the break. But just three minutes later, the Swiss were back in front. Former Mönchengladbacher Breel Embolo was there.
Portugal with no hassle in Prague
The Portuguese had little trouble during their guest performance in the Czech Republic. Diogo Dalot (33′) and Bruno Fernandes (45′ + 2′) made it 2-0 before the break. Again Dalot (52nd) and Diogo Jota (82nd) increased the result to 4:0.
The best chance for the Czechs was missed by Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick: in added time in the first half (45’+6′) he shot a hand penalty over the goal. Cristiano Ronaldo had previously caught the ball in his own penalty area.
On Tuesday (September 27th, 2022, 8.45 p.m.) Portugal and Spain will meet directly – the decisive game for group victory.
Ukraine with a thump in Armenia
Three days after the resounding defeat in Scotland, Ukraine countered with a smooth victory in Armenia and remain on course for promotion in the Nations League.
Ukraine clearly won the game in Yerevan against Armenia 5-0 (1-0) and thus temporarily regained the lead in League B, Group 1. The Ukrainians (10 points) are in first place ahead of Scotland (9). Armenia (3) is in 4th place.
Three days after the disappointing 3-0 defeat against the Scots, Oleksandr Tymtschyk (22nd minute) gave the visitors the lead. Oleksandr Subkov (57′), Artem Dowbyk (69’/84′) and Danylo Ihnatenko (81′) secured the Ukrainian victory in the second round.
Ukraine international Danylo Ihnatenko celebrates a goal
On Tuesday (8.45 p.m.) Ukraine will face Scotland in a direct duel for promotion. An Irish win on Saturday night sees Armenia relegated to League C.
Despite Haaland hit: Norway loses in Slovenia
Norway, on the other hand, missed a big step towards promotion in the Nations League despite the accuracy of goalscorer Erling Haaland. The ex-Dortmunder gave his team the lead in the game in Slovenia on Saturday (47th), but in the end the Norwegians lost 2-1 (0-0).
For the goalscorer from Manchester City it was the twelfth goal in the ninth Nations League game. Andraz Sporar (69th) and the future Leipzig Benjamin Sesko (81st) turned the game in Ljubljana.
In the evening, Serbia ousted Norway from the top of Group 4 in League B. Serbia easily beat Sweden 4-1. On Tuesday, Serbia and Norway will meet head-to-head and play for group victory. The first moves up to the A-League at the end.
Israel wins in Albania and rises
Israel, however, made promotion to League A prematurely. Coach Alon Hazan’s team beat Albania 2-1 (0-0) in Tel Aviv on Saturday night and, with eight points from four games, can no longer be relegated from first place in Group B2.