Álvaro Morata scored the first goal with a quarter of an hour remaining at Sevilla. The Atletico Madrid striker headed Jesus Navas’ cross into the goal and was greeted by wild cheers.

Five minutes from the end, Ryan Porteous was unlucky and put the ball into his own net.

Earlier, Scotland had long cheered for what they thought was a 1-0 after a free kick went straight into the goal, but after a lengthy VAR check, the goal was disallowed for attacking the goalkeeper.

This result leaves Spain just three points behind Scotland with three games remaining. Norway is two points back, but Scotland and Norway only have two games remaining. Thus opening up in the fight for the top two spots in the pool. They gave the game at the European Commission in Germany.

Norway meets Spain in Ullevaal on Sunday. Ståle Solbakken’s side need to win it and at the same time hope Scotland concede a point against Georgia in November before they themselves have to face Scotland in the final game. Spain could also fall short, but their schedule is much easier.

Spain’s win means they extended their unbeaten run against Scotland on home soil. Scotland have not won there since 1963.

Scotland went into the match in Seville knowing that a point would secure a European Championship tie. Even though they created opportunities and had one goal disallowed, it ended in defeat.

Before the break, Scotland lost their captain Andrew Robertson. The Liverpool defender had to be replaced after a duel with Spanish goalkeeper Unai Simon. He held his shoulders and used the suit as support as he exited the field.

(© NTB)