In the 73rd minute, Alvaro Morata scored the game’s first goal. Ryan Porteous’ own goal doubled Spain’s advantage. Scotland is still in first place in Group A with 15 points.

Spain defeated Scotland 2-0 in Seville to hand them their first loss of the season and prolong Scotland’s search for Euro 2024 qualification.

The Scots had a faultless first half and, after needing just a draw to guarantee their spot in Germany next year, they appeared to be on track.

Then Spain launched another assault. Mikel Oyarzabal’s effort was stopped by Aaron Hickey’s sliding challenge before Mikel Merino sent the rebound off the post.

Soon after, Morata had the ball in the net, but the Atletico Madrid striker was clearly offside, providing relief for the Tartan Army.

Before Alvaro Morata’s goal to put the hosts in front, Scott McTominay thought he had given Scotland the lead but VAR disallowed the goal for offside.

Then, Ryan Porteous pushed Oihan Sancent’s ball over the goal line to compound Scotland’s problems as their hunt to win consecutive European Championships continues—at least for a few more days.

Spain may now decide their future. Steve Clarke’s team will travel to Germany if they defeat Norway on Sunday.

Agony for Scotland against Spain

Ferran Torres came close to scoring just two minutes into the game when he was one-on-one with Angus Gunn and sent his drive just beyond the post. Spain made eight changes from their defeat at Hampden Park in March.

Then it became a matter of defense as the home team took control of the match to avenge their setback from seven months prior at Hampden Park.

Just before the half-hour mark, Scotland was struggling and yelling for a free kick on the edge of the box when John McGinn was knocked out by a late challenge from Dani Carvajal. However, the midfielder was instructed to get back to his feet.

It was brutal, and when Morata headed in from Jesus Navas’ cross, it seemed like Clarke’s team would have to wait at least a few days to qualify. Morata added to the disappointment.

They persisted, and minutes after coming off the bench, Che Adams had a chance to tie the score for Scotland, but his feeble attempt did not trouble Simon. The subsequent attempt by Stuart Armstrong was stopped by Robin Le Normand.

Hickey slipped, and Porteous slid in to clear, but instead of clearing the ball, Porteous bundled it into his net.

Scotland’s Manager Clarke’s Reaction on Harsh Defeat against Spain

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.”

Scotland will be looking to make amends in their next Uefa Euro Qualifier game against Norway if they need to seek Qualification.