Spain Secures Thrilling Last-Minute Victory (3-2) Over Switzerland in UEFA Nations League
Spain defeated Switzerland 3-2 in a thrilling match in the UEFA Nations League thanks to a penalty kick by Bryan Zaragoza in the 93rd minute.
Two times, the Euro 2024 champions were pegged back after taking the lead, but Zaragoza’s heroics in the closing minutes of the game sealed the victory.
In a dead rubber in the Nations League on Monday, Euro 2024 champions Spain defeated Switzerland 3-2 thanks to a late penalty kick from Bryan Zaragoza. In Tenerife, the already-relegated Swiss defeated the Nations League winners, who were already assured of first place in Group A4, twice.
Fans were able to celebrate victory as Bayern Munich winger Zaragoza’s late penalty kick ended the match, which was the first Spain match played on the island in 28 years.
Aitor Paredes, a center-back for Athletic Bilbao, made his defensive debut when coach Luis de la Fuente completely switched up his lineup from Friday’s victory over Denmark.
32 minutes after Pedri’s penalty was saved, Canary Islander Yeremi Pino gave Spain the lead on home soil.
Pedri, a Tenerife native, was given the ball to take the penalty kick after captain Alvaro Morata won it, but Yvon Mvogo stopped the Barcelona midfielder’s attempt.
“A goal, the victory, right here at home… Pino said to TVE, “I can’t ask for more.”
“It was a very special game… full marks to the fans.”
At halftime, De la Fuente substituted Porto attacker Samu Aghehowa, another rookie for Spain. A few minutes after Joel Monteiro tied the score for Switzerland, Bryan Gil took the ball back to give Spain the lead again.
After Fabian Ruiz’s foul in the 85th minute, Andi Zeqiri scored from the penalty spot, but Zaragoza made sure Spain could end an incredible year on a high note. Vincent Sierro took down the winger, who was on loan from Bayern at Osasuna, after he crashed into the area.
Tenerife celebrated joyfully when Zaragoza expertly scored the ensuing penalty.
