Under de la Fuente, Spain has shown a perfect record. He began his new tenure by winning the Nations League title. Last summer, there was a spectacular victory at the Euros. In June, everyone expected another triumph, but in the Nations League final, the favorite lost to their neighbor, Portugal, on penalties. However, in the autumn, Spain displayed deadly efficiency in the new qualification cycle.
Turkey also performed excellently at last year’s championship, reaching the quarterfinals. Afterward, they took second place in their Nations League group and secured a solid win over Hungary in March—3-1 and 3-0. Recent results have been as expected: only one loss to the favorite (albeit 0-6), and wins against their neighbors, Georgia and Bulgaria.
In the last round, Merino and company put on another show in Georgia. In just over half an hour, they scored three times. In the second half, Oyarzabal completed a brace to make it 4-0. Montella’s team played the main outsiders, Bulgaria. After Calhanoglu converted a penalty, they maintained their lead, and even doubled it at the end, albeit thanks to an own goal.
Spain vs Turkey: Key Stats and Trends
Spain has won five matches in a row
On average, Spain scores 3.4 goals and concedes 1.3 goals per match
50% of Spain’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 4.7 goals per match
Turkey has won three of their last four matches
On average, Turkey scores 2.4 goals and concedes 1.6 goals per match
60% of Turkey’s matches end with both teams scoring, with an average total of 4.0 goals per match
Spain vs Turkey: Possible Starting Lineups
Spain (probable lineup): Unai Simón – Cucurella, Laporte, Cubarsí, Porro – Fabián Ruiz, Zubimendi, Merino – Álex Baena, Oyarzabal, Ferran Torres
Turkey (probable lineup): Çakır – Kadioglu, Bardakcı, Demiral, Çelik – Yüksek, Çalhanoğlu, Güler, Yıldız, Aydın – Aktürkoğlu
Previous Matches: Spain vs Turkey
The aforementioned 6-0 was Spain’s fifth consecutive win over this opponent.
