Spain need to win in Braga to advance to the Nations League finals, but their record in Portugal is not great, with the last Spanish victory on Portuguese soil coming on 6 September 2003 in a friendly in Guimaraes.
The last five matches between the two teams have ended in draws, which shows how evenly matched the two teams are.
Spain’s defeat to Switzerland in Zaragoza on Saturday means they need to beat Fernando Santos’ side on Tuesday.
Portugal lead the group with a two-point advantage over La Roja and a draw will be enough for them to qualify for the finals.
Results in the last five games (Nations League):
Portugal: D-W-W-L-W
Spain: D-D-W-W-L
Team news
Luis Enrique could make several changes to the team that took the field against Switzerland. César Azpilicueta and Eric García have been left out of the Spain squad for the fixture.
The full-backs are two of the positions where the Asturian coach will be looking for a more attacking threat, with Dani Carvajal and José Gayà potentially coming in for César Azpilicueta and Jordi Alba.
In midfield, Rodri could replace Sergio Busquets and in attack, Álvaro Morata could be flanked by Marcos Llorente and Pablo Sarabia.
Predicted XIs
Portugal: Diego Costa – Diogo Dalot, Rúben Dias, Danilo Pereira, João Cancelo – João Palhinha, Rúben Neves – Bernardo Silva, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão – Cristiano Ronaldo.
Spain: Unai Simón – Carvajal, Pau Torres, Diego Llorente, Gayà – Rodri, Gavi, Pedri – Marcos Llorente, Morata, Sarabia.
According to Opta, Spain is the team with the highest average possession rate in the Nations League this season: 71.4%. Luis Enrique’s side also had the highest possession stats in the previous edition, with 67.3%.
La Roja will be hoping their possession can turn into goals against Portugal this evening.
GSFN
