Reality indicates that the difference between the two teams is stark. The 6-0 in Los Cármenes spoke for itself. Spain leads the group, with only one defeat against Scotland, while Cyprus has lost its seven losses with a regrettable balance of 2 goals for and 27 againstto. The numbers could not be more compelling.

Spain would have every reason to feel confident, but Luis de la Fuente is putting pressure on his team as if it were a more official match. In reality, La Roja has something at stake: remaining first in the group and aspiring to be seeded in the draw of the Euro 2024 which will be held on December 2 in Hamburg.

The Spanish team achieved its ticket to Germany with its last victory in Norway. Now you have to close itThe last window of the year against Cyprus this Thursday and next Sunday against another Cinderella like Georgia in Valladolid.

De la Fuente wants to avoid at all costs that his pupils take these duels as mere formalities. The coach even spoke of going out as if it were “a final”, an exaggeration perhaps necessary as a motivating element.

Avoid messes

The coach knows very well the complex environment of the Spanish team and any setback has brutal dimensions. Spain cannot afford to play in Cyprus. It would be a discredit, despite having won the UEFA Nations League and having qualified for Euro’24 two days in advance.

Luis de la Fuente plans to field a fully competitive team. Perhaps the two players who have arrived between cottons, Ferran Torres and José Luis Gayà, will restalthough this Wednesday they were already able to participate in the training held in Limasol. The Rioja native has the 25 players availableso you will have to make two discards since only 23 footballers are allowed to register.

A recognizable eleven

The best way to give seriousness to the game will be, for example, placing Unai Simón under the sticks, the usual owner of the goal, and not make any attempts. The opportunity for David Raya, who has earned his place in a European giant like Arsenal, may come to him in Valladolid.

In defense, the main novelty may be the presence of Iñigo Martínez, in great form, for the injured Laportewhile Grimaldo has many numbers to debut with the senior team on the left side to protect Gayà.

In the core, Rodri is the owner of the pivot and the main axis of Spain. Gavi is another regular, while Mikel Merino and Fabián compete, as is usually the case, for the other interior position.

Above, Captain Morata seems fixed, while the extremes could be for the two children, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, although Oyarzabal He also has options to sneak into the left zone.

In the case of Lamine will play his third game with the senior team and will only need one game to avoid being claimed by Morocco. A requirement that the Federation wants to settle in this window to avoid future scares.