Scotland’s bid to reach Euro 2024 was agonisingly prolonged by their first defeat of the qualifying campaign on a frustrating night in Spain.
Needing a point to reach consecutive European Championships, a combination of steely focus, last-ditch blocks and some Spanish profligacy meant the home side were scoreless before Alvaro Morata’s ghosting run and header deep into the second half.
Minutes earlier Scott McTominay had triggered revelry among the Scots as he lashed a wonderful free-kick past Unai Simon, only for the goal to be ruled out after a VAR review.
Scotland’s anguish was compounded in the closing moments as Spain grabbed a second via a Ryan Porteous own goal.
Scotland, who lost captain Andy Robertson to injury in the first half, sit top of Group A, three points above their hosts, and will qualify for Euro 2024 on Sunday if Norway fail to beat the in-form Spanish.
Or, if needed, they can get the job done next month when they travel to Georgia for their penultimate game.
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