2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship Qualifiers
Spain 1-0 Scotland
Estadio Municipal De La Victoria, Jaen
Monday, 11 September 2023

Scorers:

Spain 1 - Turrientes 83'

Scotland 0 

As it Happened:

Scotland were defeated in a thrilling encounter in the heat of Jaen after an impressive away performance.

Scot Gemmill had made six changes to the Under-21s last encounter against Norway. Ben Doak, Max Johnston and Josh Doig all returned to the side - having missed the June camp, with Liverpool forward Doak leading the lead. 

Ibane Bowat started in defence for the first time for the Under-21s since November - as Leon King was pushed into central midfield - while Cieran Slicker and Josh Mulligan returned the starting XI as well.

In a first half it was Scotland who had the better of the chances, as Gemmill’s side put on a defensively sound first 45 minutes, limiting their Spanish counterparts to shots from outside the penalty area.

Scotland were aggressive in their press, as centre-back Liam Morrison won possession in the opposition half, twice from goal kicks, creating chances for Doak and Doig who both saw their efforts go over the crossbar.

Leading the line, Doak tormented the Spanish defence, showing a willingness to take the ball with his back to goal as he was able to roll defenders and bring others into play. His confidence was evident from the start.

Ten minutes into the game he went short to receive the ball from a corner and displayed mesmerising footwork to get past two Spanish defenders as his near post effort was palmed away by the goalkeeper.

Not happy with their first-half performance, the Spanish management team made three changes by the start of the second half and brought the game a lot more to Scotland.

To their credit, Scotland's disciplined defence continued to force Spain to try shots from distance. However in the second half, they begin to knock on the door and a long-range effort from Pablo Torre flew past Scotland keeper Slicker only for the ball to come back off the post.

Scotland did continue to threaten on the break, once again Doak finding himself heading towards the Spanish goal after a cross-field ball from Josh Doig left the striker in acres of space on the right-hand side as he showed good awareness to pick out the oncoming run of Lyall Cameron whose shot from the edge of the box was well saved by the Spain goalkeeper. 

Connor Barron also came close, seeing his shot deflected wide after a flowing move involving Doak, Johnston and Cameron.

However, as Spain continued to pile forward, the deadlock was finally broken in the 82nd minute.

While the Scottish defence cut out chances from open play, it was a set piece that proved to be the difference as Benat Turrientes rose highest from an outswinging corner and powered the ball beyond Slicker into the far post to give the hosts the lead.

Scotland made some changes of their own as they took on a more direct approach in the final minutes of the match but failed to create any clear-cut chances as Spain managed to hold on for the remainder to claim all three points in front of a sellout 9,000-strong crowd.

Although it was not the result the young Scots would’ve hoped for, plenty of positives can be taken from their display, as Scotland created several chances and defended with discipline against their opponents - beaten finalists in the European Championships last month.

Words by Alister Bean

Next Up:

Scotland will now turn their attention to a home double header against Hungary and Malta in October.

Team

Scotland: Cieran Slicker, Max Johnston, Josh Doig, Liam Morrison, Ibane Bowat, Leon King, Josh Mulligan (Ben McPherson 67’), Ben Doak (Dire Mebude 77’), Connor Barron (Ben Summers 77’), Lyall Cameron (Ryan Duncan 91’), Jeremiah Mullen

Unused subs: Matthew Anderson, Kieron Bowie, Alex Lowry, Archie Meekison, Michael Mellon, Jack Newman, Lewis Neilson, Jude Smith