A formality, as expected. Last Thursday, reigning European champions Spain easily disposed of fragile Bulgaria, effectively sealing the deal before the break. Lamine Yamal, author of numerous masterful plays, failed to find the back of the net but provided the assist for Merino to make it 3-0, allowing La Roja to seal the result, pocket the first three points of these qualifiers, and immediately respond to Turkey, their closest rival for first place, who were victorious in Georgia at the end of a thrilling match that ended 3-2.
The clear victory in Bulgaria allows Luis de la Fuente’s men to travel to Konya with a different spirit in what should, in theory, be the most complicated match between now and November. However, Spain continues to perform flawlessly and show no signs of complacency since the coach who brought the Red Fury back to the top of the continent in the summer of 2024 took over. Since 2023, La Roja has suffered only two defeats in regular time and has not lost away from home in more than two years. These are impressive statistics that undoubtedly strike fear into the heart of Vincenzo Montella, Turkey’s coach. The Italian coach, who has been at the helm of the Turkish national team for almost two years with excellent results, knows that his players will have to play the perfect game to hope to snatch at least a point against what is currently the strongest and most complete team on the planet, capable of playing truly “by heart.” Therefore, mistakes such as those made in Georgia in their own half are not an option: Turkey relaxed too much after taking a three-goal lead and, thanks to Yilmaz’s sending off at 3-1, risked suffering what would have been a sensational comeback.
Odds comparison
Spain’s victory is priced at 1.50 on GoldbetGoldbet, Lottomatica, and Snai. The “Goal” sign is priced at 1.72 on Goldbet Goldbete Lottomatica and 1.67 on Snai.
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The prediction
Spain has won the last three matches between the two teams, who have not faced each other since 2016. Playing in Turkey in front of an always very enthusiastic crowd is no walk in the park, but this Roja team does not seem to have any weaknesses. Spain is favored in a match in which Montella’s team should also find the back of the net.
Probable lineups for Turkey vs. Spain
TURKEY (4-2-3-1): Cakir; Muldur, Demiral, Bardakci, Elmali; Calhanoglu, Yuksek; Akgun, Guler, Yildiz; Akturkoglu.
SPAIN (4-3-3): Unai Simon; Pedro Porro, Le Normand, Huijsen, Cucurella; Merino, Zubimendi, Pedri; Yamal, Oyarzabal, N. Williams.
POSSIBLE RESULT: 1-3