In order to maintain their lead in their Nations League group, Spain knew they had to match or improve Portugal’s result in their away match against Czechia.
But Spain was humiliated 2-1 at home by a lackluster performance in Zaragoza, and the Portuguese overtook them for first place.
At La Romareda, the hosts dominated the opening play, but Switzerland took the lead in the 21st minute thanks to a set piece.
Manuel Akanji successfully met Ruben Vargas’ corner from the left, and Unai Simon was helpless to stop the perfectly timed header.
The Athletic Club goalkeeper did brilliantly to stop Xherdan Shaqiri from scoring just before halftime, which would have increased the Swiss lead.
The attacker easily maneuvered past the Spanish defense, but Unai Simon made a superb save to keep the score at 1-0 going into halftime.
In the second period, Luis Enrique’s team came out motivated and tied the score in the 55th minute.
After receiving the ball in the middle of the field, Marco Asensio turned and ran at the defense before sliding through a wonderful pass that allowed Jordi Alba to score.
The advantage didn’t last long, though, as the visitors regained the lead around three minutes later, this time from a corner.
Breel Embolo rejoiced after turning it in, but Eric Garcia might have provided the finishing touch.
After the second Swiss goal, Luis Enrique made three bench changes, replacing Ferran Torres, Marco Asensio, and Pablo Sarabia with Yeremy Pino, Borja Iglesias, and Nico Williams.
A revamped front three will attempt to save the game.
Shortly after, Marcos Llorente took over for Pedri, and as Spain tightened the screws, the versatile Atletico Madrid midfielder forced a good stop out of Yann Sommer with a long-range shot.
The pressure was largely well handled by Switzerland, though, and Spain struggled to get in behind the visitors despite dominating the ball.
The substitutes appeared active, and Carlos Soler appeared to have come the closest to scoring an equalizer, but it was not to be.
Spain’s unbeaten streak of 22 home games is broken against Switzerland.
The Swiss did an excellent job, but Spain will be troubled by their lack of imagination and their sluggish ball movement.
The next step for Luis Enrique’s team is a trip to Braga where they will try to retake the lead from Portugal in the group.
