Late second-half goals from captain Alvaro Morata and Oihan Sancet gave Spain a critical 2-0 win over group leaders Scotland in their UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying clash. After Scotland’s historic 2-0 victory earlier in the year they were in control of the group, heaping pressure on Spain coming into this game. Scotland had a goal ruled out and lost Andy Robertson to injury in a tense game.

La Roja dominated from the off, but after Ferran Torres and Alvaro Morata wasted two glorious openings, they generally found it tough to break down a visiting side who defended deep, often with 11 men behind the ball.

That meant Luis de la Fuente’s side had to be patient in their build-up, which they were in an attack that led to Mikel Merino rattling the woodwork just before half-time.

Things didn’t get any easier for Spain after the break, when they should have been hit by a suckerpunch when Scott McTominay’s sublime free-kick found the top corner, but it was harshly ruled out for a foul on the goalkeeper.

That seemed to give the hosts a lift, and they duly took the lead when Morata converted from Jesus Navas’ cross, before Ryan Porteous tackled Oihan Sancet in the area, only for the ball to hit the forward and bobble in.