Match report as Scotland lose 2-0 to Spain in Euro 2024 qualifying; Scott McTominay's strike was ruled out for offside; Alvaro Morata opened the scoring in the 73rd minute; Ryan Porteous' own goal doubled Spain's lead; Scotland remain top of Group A on 15 points
Friday 13 October 2023 09:35, UK
Scotland's wait for Euro 2024 qualification continues after Spain inflicted their first defeat of the campaign as they claimed a 2-0 victory in Seville.
After a perfect start, the Scots only needed a draw to secure their place in Germany next summer and looked on course after an impressive first-half defensive display.
Scott McTominay thought he had fired Scotland ahead only for VAR to rule the goal out for offside before Alvaro Morata then headed the hosts ahead.
Ryan Porteous then forced Oihan Sancent's ball over the line to add to Scotland's woes as their wait to secure back-to-back European Championships continues, for a few days at least.
Their fate could now rest with Spain. If they avoid defeat to Norway on Sunday, Steve Clarke's side are off to Germany.
Spain made eight changes from their defeat at Hampden Park in March and Ferran Torres went close just two minutes in, one-on-one with Angus Gunn and he put his shot past the post.
The Scots continued to live dangerously and Morata headed wide at the back post.
Scotland tried to impose themselves more as Aaron Hickey picked out McTominay in the box but the ball was cleared just ahead of him.
It was then about defence as the hosts imposed themselves on the game as they looked for revenge for that defeat at Hampden Park seven months ago.
Scotland were up against it and were screaming for a free-kick on the edge of the box just before the half hour when John McGinn was wiped out by a late challenge by Dani Carvajal but the midfielder was told to get back to his feet.
Spain were then on the attack again. Aaron Hickey's sliding challenge blocked Mikel Oyarzabal's shot before Mikel Merino fired the rebound off the post.
Morata had the ball in the net soon after but there was relief for the Tartan Army with the Atletico Madrid striker well offside.
Scotland were then dealt a blow just before half-time as captain Andy Robertson was forced off with a shoulder injury after a 50-50 challenge with Spain goalkeeper Unai Simon. Nathan Patterson was the player brought on the replace him.
Granada midfielder Bryan Zaragoza came on at the break for his Spain debut and he wasted no time in showing his pace as he beat both Patterson and McTominay before blasting a shot over the bar.
There was then an opening for Scotland as Lyndon Dykes sent a pass through to McGinn on the edge of the Spain penalty box, but instead of shooting his clumsy pass found Ryan Christie, who couldn't get the ball under control.
Morata's effort flew just over the bar before Scotland thought they had scored the goal to send them to Germany as McTominay curled his free-kick beyond Simon only for VAR to harshly rule it out for offside.
It was cruel and Morata then added to the disappointment when he headed in from Jesus Navas' cross and it looked like Clarke's side would have to wait a few days at least to secure qualification.
They didn't give up and Che Adams had a chance to draw Scotland level minutes after coming off the bench but his weak shot did not trouble Simon. Stuart Armstrong's effort was then blocked by Robin Le Normand.
But there was another blow to come as Hickey slipped with Porteous then sliding in to clear, only to bundle the ball into his own net.
Scotland manager Steve Clarke:
"Obviously the big moment in the game was probably the close decision on the Scott McTominay goal, and it changes the mood a little bit.
"We can be pleased with how we performed but the lads are really disappointed that we've lost the game because we didn't come here to lose
"They've made the call so there's no point in going on and on about it. I think there was a little bit of confusion at a time whether it was offside or whether it was for a foul on the goalkeeper. I think if you put those two together Jack Hendry was marginally offside and I think when he steps towards the goalkeeper, they have interpreted that as Jack then becoming involved in the play.
"But I'll tell you, there's no way in the world the goalkeeper was saving that no matter where Jack Hendry was.
"It's a VAR decision that goes against you, you just have to move on. At that stage in the game, we were fine. The second goal puts a little bit of gloss on it for Spain, I'm not sure they deserved it as we have some good chances."
Former Scotland goalkeeper David Marshall on Sky Sports News:
"Everybody would have snapped your hand off for the position they are currently in, it would have been great to get to Germany tonight, but I've no doubt Scotland will be there, whether it be this weekend, or next month.
"Steve has built a great squad, with great belief to come here and defend really well and they were unfortunate not to take the lead tonight and it would have been interesting to see how the game would have gone then.
"Plenty of positives though and let's see how Spain and Norway get on at the weekend..."
Sky Sports' Alison Conroy:
"Scotland left the pitch to applause from the travelling support but after being so close to a famous night, this result will hurt a bit.
"They went into the game with five wins from five, knowing a draw was all that was needed to secure their place in Germany next summer.
"Steve Clarke's side battled but, after losing captain Andrew Roberston to a shoulder injury, there was outrage as Scott McTominay's opener was disallowed by VAR. Was it because Jack Hendry was offside or was it because he fouled the goalkeeper? Either way, it was a sickener for the Scots.
"Spain could do them a favour on Sunday night by taking something from Norway in Oslo.
"If that does not happen, there are two more qualifiers to secure Euro 2024 qualification. Surely it will be confirmed before facing Georgia in Tbilisi next month?"
Scotland face World Cup runners-up France in a friendly in Lille on Tuesday; kick-off 8pm.
Clarke's side then return to action in November with two Euro 2024 qualifiers as they go to Georgia on November 16 followed by a home game against Norway on November 19.
Spain, meanwhile, are back in action on Sunday as they face Norway in Oslo in a crunch Euro 2024 qualifier; kick-off 7.45pm.
