Ayoze Perez played a pivotal role as Spain secured a 2-1 win over Denmark on Friday, sealing the top spot in Group A4 of the Nations League. The holders of the competition, Spain, had already qualified for the quarter-finals before the match, and this victory extended their lead over second-placed Denmark to six points, with one game left to play.
Perez, who plays for Villarreal, provided the assist for Mikel Oyarzabal’s opening goal before scoring Spain’s second himself. Denmark’s Gustav Isaksen pulled one back late, but it wasn’t enough to prevent the Spanish victory in Copenhagen.
Despite missing several key players, including Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal and midfielder Rodri, de la Fuente started only three players from Spain’s Euro 2024 final victory over England.
Perez nearly gave Spain the lead early on but saw his shot hit the post after a low pass from Pedro Porro. The striker turned provider three minutes later, setting up Oyarzabal for a well-executed team goal. Spain dominated possession and rarely gave Denmark a chance, and they doubled their advantage when Dani Olmo’s assist allowed Perez to score with a clinical finish.
Perez had a chance to score again but misfired with a chip that went wide. Meanwhile, de la Fuente handed Marc Casado, Barcelona’s emerging midfielder, his national team debut.
There was concern for Spain as both Alex Baena and Martin Zubimendi picked up injuries during the match. Denmark fought back, and Isaksen capitalised on a defensive error, charging down goalkeeper David Raya and seeing a deflected ball roll into the net.
Raya redeemed himself late on with a crucial save to deny Denmark’s Andreas Skov Olsen, ensuring Spain held on for the win.
With a 15-match unbeaten streak across all competitions, Spain will face Switzerland on Monday in their final Nations League group match.
