Denmark 1-2 Spain: Reigning European champions secure top spot in UEFA Nations League group

Spain secured top spot in Group A4 of the UEFA Nations League with a 1-0 win against Denmark in Copenhagen.

Goals from captain Mikel Oyarzabal and Ayoze Perez set them on their way, before Gustav Isaksen pulled one back and set up a nervy last five minutes.

The hosts, backed by a terrific home crowd at Parken, got off to a good start but it wasn’t long before the European champions found their groove.

They had already hit the crossbar when Oyarzabal punished some poor defending with a neat finish with 15 minutes on the clock. Dani Olmo and Perez had good chances to double their lead before the break.

In the second half, it was Olmo and Perez again who combined to make it 2-0, and Perez could have wrapped things up before Isaksen pounced on a dodgy back pass and gave the Danes hope.

Spain saw out the match and head into their final Nations League group fixture at home to Switzerland with the hard work done – and it might be a chance for Luis de la Fuente to rest players in a squad that has been decimated by recent injuries, including the season-ending ACL issue to Rodri.

For Denmark, there’s still work to do to secure a place in the quarter-finals of the Nations League. A draw in the other group match between Switzerland and Serbia means it’s in their own hands, but they will be smarting having had their 29-month unbeaten home record ended.

Spain went into this game with the form of champions. And that’s exactly what they are. Reigning Nations League holders and crowned European Champions this summer, De la Fuente’s men have not lost any of their last 15 matches.

Tonight they went into the game missing Pau Torres, Unai Simon, Dani Carvajal, Rodri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal. And they didn’t start Nico Williams, Alvaro Morata or Pedri. But they were not missed.

Instead they were able to count on the mastery of Olmo in midfield and the menacing threat of Perez up front.

With the group won La Roja can now relax in their final group game against Switzerland before heading into the knock-out stage of the competition. Who would want to play them? And who stands a chance of beating them?

The Barcelona midfielder is carrying on his imperious Barcelona form for his country. He was at the centre of everything, pulling the strings and setting up chances with silky aplomb. His pass through to Perez for the second goal was world class. Was unlucky to not cap performance with a goal.

Denmark: Schmeichel 6, Kristian 6, Vestergaard 6, Andersen 6, Bah 6; Hjulmand 6, Noorgard 6, Hojbjerg 7; Eriksen 7, Hojlund 6, Gronbaek 6. Subs: Damsgaard 6, Isaksen 8, Dolberg 6, Slov Olsen 7.

Spain: Raya 6, Porro 6, Vivian 6, Laporte 6, Cucurella 6, Zubimendi 7, Merino 7, Oyarzabal 8, Olmo 9, Baena 8, Perez 8. Subs: Ruiz 6, Morata 6, Williams 6, Casado 6. Pedri 6.

13’ – OFF THE WOODWORK!: Spain so close to taking the lead. Porro with a defence splitting pass and Perez with a thunderous shot that whacks the crossbar. Spain starting to grow.

15’ – GOAL! Denmark 0-1 Spain 0 (Oyarzabal): The Danes give the ball away and it’s punished by some incisive passing in the area from Perez and a neat finish by the captain on the edge of the six yard box.

58’ – GOAL! Denmark 0-2 Spain (Perez): The Olmo and Perez show has doubled their lead. Olmo threads the ball through to Perez who beats Schmeichel with a composed low finish from just inside the box.

79’ – ISAKSEN HITS THE POST!: It’s a wonderful effort from Isaksen, who puts his foot through a strike on the corner of the area that hits the base of Raya’s goal and flies back out.

84’ – GOAL! Denmark 1-2 Spain (Isaksen): Out of nowhere the Danes pull one back. A back pass goes wrong and the impressive Isaksen is there to take advantage and taps home.