Iberian rivals Portugal and Spain meet for their 37th time in Lisbon on Wednesday evening. It may only be a friendly, but those European giants will be keen to win bragging rights from this encounter.
The two heavyweights last met in Russia for their opening match of the 2018 World Cup. Few will forget how that one played out, with a sublime free-kick from Cristiano Ronaldo snatching Portugal a point from a pulsating 3-3 draw.
So, bearing in mind that the European neighbors have drawn in their last two meetings, a close encounter is expected in the Portuguese capital.
Portugal News & Stats
Victories over Croatia and Sweden last month was the perfect way for Portugal to begin the defense of their Nations League title. It left them on top of Group A3 with maximum points from two games. Now the challenge is to hold down that lead ahead of a tricky trip to France, who are behind on goal difference in the standings, on Sunday.
Therefore, Fernando Santos may view the clash against Spain as an ideal warm-up for his squad. Victory against a top-tier side would boost confidence levels, sharpen the players, and leave them in good stead for Paris.
A matter of local pride is also at stake here as Portugal chase their first win against Spain since 2010. Nine wins in their last 10 games in all competitions and home advantage could change that one, though.
Key Team Stats
Portugal are undefeated in 21 of their last 23 matches including friendlies.
Won nine of their last 10 games in all competitions.
Over 3.5 goals scored in last five games in all competitions.
Spain News & Stats
Luis Enrique’s side, meanwhile, enjoyed a decent start to their own Nations League campaign. They drew 1-1 in Germany before smashing Ukraine in their second fixture. That victory in Madrid last time out moved them into top spot in Group A4.
Spain, like their opponents, have been in brilliant form over the past year and won’t want that to end. They’re on a 13-match unbeaten run in all competitions, winning 10 and drawing the other three fixtures.
Victories against Switzerland and Ukraine would also put them in a commanding position for a knockout spot in the Nations League. The visitors are also on the hunt for their fourth consecutive friendly win.
Key Team Stats
Unbeaten in their last 13 games in all competitions.
Won 10 of their last 13 games in all competitions.
Have drawn three of their last five away games in all competitions.(W2 L0).
Over 2.5 goals scored in last five away games in all competitions.
Squad Lists
Portugal
Goalkeepers: Rui Patricio, Anthony Lopes, Rui Silva
Defenders: Jose Fonte, Raphael Guerreiro, Pepe, Ruben Dias, Nelson Semedo, Joao Cancelo, Nuno Sequeira, Ruben Semedo
Midfielders: Bernardo Silva, William Carvalho, Joao Moutinho, Danilo Pereira, Bruno Fernandes, Renato Sanches, Ruben Neves, Sérgio Oliveira
Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Felix, Andre Silva, Diogo Jota, Trincao
Predicted Line-up: Patricio, Guerreiro, Dias, Pepe, Cancelo, Sanches, Neves, Moutinho, Trincao, Silva, Ronaldo
Spain
Goalkeepers: David de Gea, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Unai Simon
Defenders: Sergio Ramos, Dani Carvajal, Jesus Navas, Diego Llorente, Jose Luis Gaya, Pau Torres, Eric Garcia, Sergio Reguilon
Midfielders: Dani Ceballos, Sergio Busquets, Rodri, Fabian, Mikel Merino, Dani Olmo, Sergio Canales, Jose Campana
Forwards: Adama Traore, Rodrigo, Ansu Fati, Mikel Oyarzabal, Gerard, Ferran Torres.
Predicted Line-up: Arrizabalaga, Roberto, Llorente, Garcia, Reguilon, Busquets, Ceballos, Canales, Rodrigo, Moreno, Olmo
