Manuel Akanji and Breel Embolo Produce a Nations League upset in Zaragoza, as Switzerland defeats Spain 2-1

Spain could miss out on qualification for the UEFA Nations League finals after a shock 2-1 home defeat to Switzerland saw them drop to second place in Group A2. Manuel Akanji headed the visitors in front and although Jordi Alba levelled the scores, Breel Embolo found a winner for the Swiss in the second half

Spain has fallen to a shock 2-1 defeat at home to Switzerland to surrender their UEFA Nations League Group A2 lead.

Manuel Akanji gave the visitors a shock lead on 21 minutes, dominating Cesar Azpilicueta physically at a corner before heading down and out of the reach of Unai Simon.

Spain, playing with Real Madrid winger Marco Asensio as their central attacker, dominated the midfield and the flanks, but had no presence in the Swiss box.

The home side virtually monopolised possession for long spells, but could do little with it.

The Swiss had just 31% possession but finished with more shots, more shots on target, more corners and more offsides.

Switzerland pressed selectively, not over-committing in defence, as they effectively stifled Spain.

Asensio made Spain’s equaliser with a sensational run early in the second half, drawing the entire Swiss defence out of position before rolling a pass into the path of Jordi Alba who could not miss.

Switzerland were back in front just four minutes later though, as the impressive Akanji turned provider, flicking on a corner for Breel Embolo to score. The goal was eventually awarded as an own goal against Eric Garcia.

Five second-half substitutions from Spain did little to change the nature of the game as the Swiss continued to pack the box and mute the home side’s attack.

Switzerland had never before beaten Spain in Spain, and only tasted success against their illustrious opponents once before in any meeting – that the famous 2010 World Cup group stage clash – but they were well worth their victory against their toothless hosts.

The upset moves Switzerland off the bottom of the group, while Spain relinquish top spot to Portugal, who they will face on Tuesday in a de facto playoff for a semi-final berth.

au Torres of Spain, Unai Simon of Spain during the UEFA Nations league match between Spain v Switzerland at the Estadio La Romareda on September 24, 2022 in Zaragoza Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Image credit: Getty Images

PLAYER OF THE MATCH – MANUEL AKANJI

Akanji was immense for Switzerland against Spain. For the visitors to win, they needed their centre backs to deliver big performances, and Akanji did just that. Under constant pressure from Spanish possession, Akanji stayed calm. The Manchester City defender headed everything away, but also read the game impeccably and was constantly cleaning up on the ground as well. Beyond a faultless defensive performance, Akanji also scored Switzerland’s opening goal by dominating Azpilicueta, and got the crucial flick-on for their winner.

He was also the only Swiss player to get through 90 minutes without conceding a foul.

PLAYER RATINGS

Spain: Unai Simon 5, Alba 6, Pau Torres 5, Garcia 6, Azpilicueta 4, Pedri 6, Busquets 6, Gavi 5, Sarabia 5, Asensio 6, Ferran Torres 7 Subs: Borja 7, Soler 7, Williams 7, Pino 7, Marcos Llorente 7

Switzerland: Sommer 7, Elvedi 6, Akanji 9, Rodriguez 6, Widmer 6, Shaqiri 7, Xhaka 7, Freuler 6, Embolo 8, Vargas 8, Sow 6. Subs: Steffen 7, Seferovic N/A, Aebischer 6, Zakaria 6, Ndoye 6