Spain 1-0 Switzerland: Five talking points as La Roja capitalise on Sommer error | Nations League 2020/21

#3 Sommer paid the price for his mistake

Sommer's lapse in concentration was punished by Spain

For all his heroics with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga, the fact is that Yannick Sommer remains underrated. He's made some excellent saves in the past and shown quick reflexes too, whilst also keeping 21 clean sheets in the top-flight in the last two seasons.

He was once again sound in goal for the Swiss, but not before slipping up with a poor pass that would prove costly for them.

After receiving a back pass, Sommer, under pressure from Oyarzabal, played the ball straight to Merino, who then cut it back for his Real Sociedad teammate to lash one into the bottom corner.

A lapse in concentration and the Swiss custodian was quickly punished for it. Given how Spain was struggling to hit the broadside of the banjo for the rest of the match, Sommer was left to rue what might have been.

#4 What's happened to Switzerland's attacking might?

Switzerland have gone completely off the boil in this Nations League

Switzerland's impressive record in the Nations League's maiden edition and the recent Euro qualifiers was down to its free-scoring nature, taking apart every team on its way.

The Rossocrociati scored 15 times from just five games in this competition, followed by another 19 goals in the qualifying campaign. But now, they are struggling to replicate their goal scoring exploits.

That's cause for concern to Vladimir Petkovic's side, who're now languishing at the bottom of League A Group 4, having scored only twice from three games. And against Spain, far from finding the net, the Swiss managed just one shot on target all night!

The goals have visibly dried up, and it's coming back to haunt them. Even though Spain weren't exactly menacing either, the fact that Switzerland barely threatened is worrisome.

Unless they finds their attacking rhythm again and start firing on all cylinders, the Central European side could end up getting relegated into League B.

#5 Spain edge closer to knockouts

Spain is aiming to make a statement in the Nations League

It's no secret that Spain isn't the force that it used to be until 2012 and despite seeing an influx of new and talented youngsters in the squad, they have struggled to make an impression on the big stage.

The former world and European champions have been knocked out in the round of 16 from each of the last two major tournaments, whilst also finishing behind England in the group in the UEFA Nations League last year.

Having made a strong start this time - winning twice and drawing once from three games - the Reds have a chance to make a statement again by qualifying for the semi-finals.

With Germany still in decline, and Ukraine and Switzerland not offering anything by way of a realistic challenge, the path should be relatively clear for Spain to progress.

They do have a few shortcomings - such as the lack of a clinical striker as we saw earlier - but even then, La Roja look primed to finish as group leaders.