Türkiye – Spain: Spain Smash Table Topping Rivals For Six (0-6)

The favorites for the top spots in Group E of the UEFA World Cup qualifiers met on matchday two. At kickoff, they were level on points, but if there was any doubt about who should finish at the top of the table, it had died by full time as La Roja reminded everyone of their strength.

Tactical analysis and match report by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere.

Spain have set a standard for European football in the last two years under Luis de la Fuente. He took the team to the 2023 Nations League title, then earned a fourth Euros crown for La Roja in a historic campaign with seven wins from seven fixtures in 2024. Portugal might have beaten their Iberian rivals in the Nations League final this year, but they have barely scratched the surface of Spanish mortality.

Türkiye have trusted Vincenzo Montella to make the best out of the talented stars at his disposal. Last summer, he led the country to their first Euros quarter-final since 2008, bowing out narrowly with a 2-1 defeat against the Netherlands. Next on the . . .