Spain snatch late draw against Germany as Nations League returns

The Group Stage of the 2020 UEFA Nations League started on Thursday as Germany was denied by Spain with a last gasp equalizer and Switzerland was beaten by Ukraine.

Germany 1-1 Spain

Scorers: Werner 51′; Gaya 90’+6

A cool finish past David de Gea from Chelsea’s new recruitment Timo Werner in the second half looked to give Germany a narrow victory over Spain in Stuttgart.

Leeds United’s club record £26m signing Rodrigo missed two fine chances for Spain before heading into the path of Jose Gaya, who made it 1-1.

The Valencia defender scored with almost the last kick of the game.

It was a dramatic end to an eventful match. Leroy Sané, back from a lengthy injury shined for the hosts while Ferran Torres of Spain made his first senior international start, before Ansu Fati of Barcelona made Spanish football history when he replaced Jesus Navas at half-time.

It was for the first time both the former world champions returned to football in almost last 10 months. Spain keeper De Gea produced several fine saves including a flying stop to keep out Leroy Sane.

This was the first competitive meeting between the two European powerhouses since Spain overcame Germany in South Africa on their way to winning the 2010 World Cup.

Germany’s side was largely deprived of players from Bayern Munich following their Champions League triumph in Portugal last month.

17-year-old Ansu Fati makes his Spain debut ✨

He’s the youngest player to represent Spain since 1936. pic.twitter.com/AZqFJU1uaL

— B/R Football (@brfootball) September 3, 2020

Key stats

Germany are still looking for their first ever victory in the UEFA Nations League (D3 L2).

Eleven of Germany’s last 14 goals have been scored in the second half.

Twenty of the last 26 goals Germany have conceded have been in the second half, including 11 in the final ten minutes.

Spain have scored in their last 41 matches – the last time they failed to find the net was against Italy at UEFA EURO 2016.

Spain have conceded the first goal in four of their last five UEFA Nations League matches.

In other matches of the competition, Russia comfortably beat Serbia 3-1 while Ukraine overcame Switzerland 2-1 and Turkey beaten by Hungary with an unanswered goal.