Basel: Sergio Ramos missed two second-half penalties as Switzerland held Spain 1-1 in the UEFA Nations League match at the St. Jakob-Park on Sunday (November 15). Remo Freuler opened the scoring for the Swiss before the last gasp winner from Gerard Moreno saved Spain’s evening.
Coach Luis Enrique set-up his side in a 4-2-3-1 formation with youngster Pau Torres at the back being paired with skipper Ramos who was playing in his 177th match, a record for a European player. Sergio Busquets along with Mikel Merino formed a double pivot in the midfield with Fabian Ruiz playing as a No.10 behind Dani Olmo who despite being an attacking midfielder was playing in a no.9 role.
It was Spain who dominated the ball possession playing it out from the back building it up patiently but the Swiss were quite steady. However, the home side broke the deadlock when Breed Embolo’s cross found Freuler who finished it with a stunning lob over the Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. Spain although had superior possession lacked that cutting edge in finishing probably for not playing a designated striker up font.
In the second half, Spain had a couple of chances to go ahead, both from the penalty spot but Ramos missed twice. With Time running out substitute Moreno finished it off from a whipping cross by Sergio Reguilon to make it 1-1. Spain now standing second in the group will now face Germany at home.
