Spain ensured a top-place finish in their Nations League group with a game to spare after a 2-1 win against Denmark in Copenhagen.
Mikel Oyarzabal gave the European champions a half-time lead at the Parken Stadium and Ayoze Perez, who had earlier struck the woodwork, doubled their lead on the hour-mark.
Denmark substitute Gustav Isaksen pulled one back in the closing stages to set up a nervous finish.
FT: Denmark 1-2 Spain
Spain hang on in Copenhagen, securing a fourth successive victory in the process! Ayoze Perez’s second half strike proved to be the difference for Luis de la Fuente’s side, after Mikel Oyarzabal’s opener. pic.twitter.com/x1y0eXtmPv
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 15, 2024
But Spain, who were already assured of a place in the quarter-finals, will finish top of Group A4, while Denmark must now avoid defeat in Serbia in their final match on Monday in order to qualify.
Denmark were unbeaten in their previous 13 home games but were second best in head coach Bryan Riemer’s first game in charge.
Luis de la Fuente was without half a dozen big-name players, including Lamine Yamal, Rodri and Dani Carvajal but, after a minute’s silence in tribute to those who have lost their lives in the recent flooding in Spain, his side quickly took control.
Perez crashed an angled drive against a post and soon after Real Socidad forward Oyarzabal steered them them into a 15th-minute lead.
Jannik Vestergaard gave the ball away on the edge of the area and Spain clinically took advantage, with Oyarzabal side-footing home Perez’s low cross from six yards.
(58′) Denmark 0-2 Spain
Spain double their advantage in Copenhagen! Ayoze Perez set up the opener, and he’s now got himself on the scoresheet. pic.twitter.com/neFBy7DIdi
— Football España (@footballespana_) November 15, 2024
Denmark enjoyed their best spell 10 minutes before the break, with Albert Gronbaek’s rising shot deflected narrowly over by Martín Zubimendi, but Riemer’s side found it difficult to create chances.
Spain, rarely operating in top gear, extended their lead in style in the 58th minute. Perez ran on to Dani Olmo’s perfectly-weighted through-ball and planted a fine diagonal finish into the bottom corner.
Isaksen crashed a low angled drive off the inside of a post and then fired his side a lifeline with six minutes left, capitalising on Fabian Ruiz’s misplaced backpass to pull one back.
Another Danish substitute, Andreas Skov Olsen, shot narrowly wide deep in stoppage time but unbeaten Spain held on for their fourth group win.
