MY ACCOUNT
The Nations League returns with a bang this week and there is the small matter of the Iberian derby on the bill with Spain hosting Portugal in Seville.
Both European giants have been drawn in Group A2 alongside the Czech Republic and Switzerland and Thursday’s tie is the start of a busy run, with both sides playing four times in the next few weeks.
Spain and Portugal have taken the Nations League seriously in the past, with the Selecao winning the tournament in 2019 and La Roja reaching the final in 2021.
Slow start expected in Seville
While Thursday’s Nations League tie will see two of Europe’s biggest teams do battle, there is the added risk of burnout with the fixture taking place so soon after the conclusion of the majority of leagues.
Neither side will be at full strength either, with Aymeric Laporte and Pedri due to miss out for Spain, while Ruben Dias will not control Portugal’s defence this time around.
While that may lead many to predict a high-scoring affair, three of the last four meetings have ended goalless and it would be no surprise to see another tight contest.
Share of the spoils on the cards
Only one team will advance to the finals from A2, so neither side will want to start the competition on the back foot and this could make for a cagey opener.
While Luis Enrique’s outfit are known for their fast-flowing style, Portugal have tended to sit back and soak up pressure under coach Fernando Santos.
There is very little to separate the pair and it would come as no surprise if they cancelled each other out in Seville, given the fact five of the last meetings have seen under 1.5 goals and the previous four clashes have ended level.
The defences of both teams should come out on top and the form book suggests a draw is most likely in this one.
Home advantage could be key
Spain will be playing on home turf on Thursday and that is something they have used to great effect over the years as they have not lost in their own country since 2018.
Portugal are also yet to taste victory on Spanish soil and La Roja, in front of a packed stadium, may just have enough to sneak over the line.
A 1-0 home win is not out of the realms of possibility, while the win to nil is also a contender.
