Soccer

Spain vs Portugal: A friendly in name only

The Iberian Derby returns as Spain and Portugal make their final preparations ahead of Euro 2020.

When: Friday, June 4, 18:30 BST

How to watch: Sky Sports

Follow this game live via our score centre

Best Bets

Over 2.5 goals at 11/10 (PaddyPower)

Correct Score 2-2 at 14/1 (bet365)

Diogo Jota to score first at 8/1 (Betway)

With the European Championships just around the corner, time is running out for managers to complete their pre-tournament preparations.

Bearing this in mind, both Spain and Portugal are expected to field strong sides as they look to build momentum.

Spain will be looking to make in impact at Euro 2020

Portugal, who are the defending European champions, come into this game with good form. Fernando Santos' side have lost just one of their last 13 international outings and that defeat came against world champions France.

Spain, on the other hand, are also in decent form having lost one of their last 22 games. However, with Luis Enrique's men conceding six goals in seven games, there's certainly room for improvement.

Last Three Matches

Portugal 0-0 Spain (Friendly - October 7, 2020)

There's little to say about the last head-to-head fixture between Portugal and Spain.

The Spaniards enjoyed majority of possession, produced more shots on goal and created more attacks but in the end, they failed to find a breakthrough.
Portugal 3-3 Spain (World Cup - June 15, 2018)
There was certainly nothing boring about this one.

Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring with a well converted penalty when these two sides clashed at the 2018 World Cup.

Diego Costa levelled things up in the 24th minute however, Portugal soon retook their lead with a second goal from CR7.

The second half belonged to Spain as a second goal from Costa and a first for Nacho saw the former World Champions move 3-2 ahead.

Nevertheless, it was Ronaldo who had the final say as he bagged an equaliser in the 88th minute.
Portugal 0-0 (2-4p) Spain (Euro 2012 - June 27, 2012)
The last Iberian Derby to take place at a European Championship took place in 2012 when Portugal and Spain clashed in the semi-finals.
This was a tense affair which ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of football.
As the game entered penalties, Spain showed outstanding composure to take the win and bag a spot in the final.

Last ten head-to-heads

Spain wins: 3

Draws: 5

Portugal: 2

Spain goals: 11

Portugal goals: 11

Real Madrid players blanked by Spain

Spain boss, Luis Enrique, raised many eyebrows by not selecting any Real Madrid players to his 24-man Euro 2020 squad. This included the omission of former captain Sergio Ramos.

Spain boss, Luis Enrique

This is something that has never happened in the history of the Spanish national side. However, they came close in 1950 when only one Real Madrid star - Luis Molowny - made the selection.
Ultimately, Enrique's decision will be judged by results at the upcoming Euros. Success in the tournament would certainly justify his strategy.

Portugal stronger but facing difficult challenge

Some would argue that the Portugal squad of today is stronger than the one which won the 2016 European Championship.

With the likes of Diogo Jota, Andre Silva and Bruno Fernandes joining the squad, it's no surprise to see Portugal as fourth favourites to retain their title.

Cristiano Ronaldo keen to ensure Portugal maintain the winning feeling

One reason why they aren't ranked higher is due to the difficult task facing them in the group stage.

With Hungary, Germany and France in their way, progression to the next stage of the competition is far from assured.

Goalscorer bets

Diogo Jota is in great form for Portugal. The Liverpool man has scored three first-half goals in his last two international outings.

The forward is currently priced at 8/1 (Betway) to score first against the Spaniards.

READ MORE: Nuno Espirito Santo edges ahead of David Moyes for Everton job

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