WORLD: Friendly International

Date: 04-06-21

Time: 6:30 PM

Venue: Wanda Metropolitano (Madrid)

A friendly only in name, the ‘Iberian Derby’ is a perfect fixture for both sides as they step up preparations for this summer’s Euro 2020. Spain come into this contest in good form having lost just one of their previous 22 fixtures (W14, D7), although boss Luis Enrique may be slightly frustrated by his side’s recent defensive record – they’ve conceded in six of their last seven encounters.

A draw with Greece is the only blemish on a near 100% record for Spain across their previous 11 fixtures on home soil. A fast-paced start was a theme right across that sequence, resulting in a HT lead in nine of those matches. Although, the last time they led at HT in this H2H was way back in September 2003!

Portugal travel to Madrid in good form of their own after just one loss – to world champions France – across their previous 13 fixtures (W9, D3). There’s been plenty of entertainment in their recent matches too with five of the last seven producing over 2.5 goals. They’ve been big contributors to that, and the theme could be set to continue here given that they’ve scored 2+ goals in nine of their previous 12 games on the road.

Whilst their overall form is solid, boss Fernando Santos will be eager to see his team shake off their recent tendency to concede first, doing so in three of their previous five matches – two of which arrived before HT. Only one ended in defeat though (W2), signalling a strong character throughout the squad.

Players to watch: Spain’s Ferran Torres is in fine form with four goals across his last four international appearances – three arriving after HT. Similarly, Portugal’s Diogo Jota boasts three first-half goals across his last two international appearances.

Recent Stats:

  • Spain’s form in last 5 matches: WWDWD.
  • Portugal’s form in last 5 matches: WDWWL.

PREDICTION: BTTS