Spain did not shine against Colombia, who now remain undefeated in 20 matches in a streak of more than two years.
Colombia handed Spain their first defeat in almost a year with a 1-0 friendly victory in London on Friday.
Crystal Palace defender Daniel Munoz scored in the second half after a superb run from Luis Diaz to capitalize on a disappointing La Roja display ahead of this summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Spain, who won the Nations League last year to end an 11-year run without a trophy after triumphing at Euro 2012, were left disappointed in their second defeat under the manager Luis de la Fuente.
The first came in March 2023 in a defeat to Scotland in Euro 2024 qualifying, which cast early doubt on the coach’s qualifications for the job as concerns eased over the following months.
De la Fuente chose an experimental formation against Colombia, giving Athletic Bilbao defender Dani Vivian his debut at the heart of the defense, while resting captain Rodri, among others.
On Thursday, the coach said he hoped the country’s football would inspire admiration despite the Spanish federation’s recent troubles, making headlines this week amid a corruption investigation that saw his siege searched by the police.
However, Spain failed to shine against Nestor Lorenzo’s Colombian side, who now remain unbeaten in 20 matches in a streak spanning more than two years.
“You learn more from defeats than from victories, it was a very difficult match,” De la Fuente said.
“We did some things very well but we need to improve on others, especially from the second half onwards.”
La Roja shaded the first half with Vivian heading a cross from Alejandro Grimaldo, who launched several dangerous balls, and Gerard Moreno’s volley well stopped by Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.
Colombian fans made up the majority of the crowd and they were brought to their feet at times by Liverpool winger Diaz.
Former Real Madrid playmaker James Rodriguez came on at half-time for Colombia to further excite their supporters and he turned the tide in favor of Los Cafeteros.
“Always growing”
Alex Remiro spilled a Rodriguez strike and another sailed in, with the South American team now in the lead.
They took the lead after 61 minutes when Diaz burst down the left flank and crossed to the far post where Munoz finished with an acrobatic effort.
Tottenham defender Pedro Porro almost equalized but volleyed into the side netting.
De la Fuente signed 17-year-old Barcelona defender Pau Cubarsi for his finals debut, becoming the second youngest player to play for Spain behind club and country teammate Lamine Yamal.
Mikel Merino headed a late chance over the bar as Spain failed to equalize. They will then face Brazil on Tuesday in Madrid, at the Santiago Bernabeu, in another friendly match.
“They caught up to us bit by bit in the second half (but) their goal came from a great individual move,” Moreno said.
“You have to work, analyze yourself, improve.”
Colombia face Romania on Tuesday as they continue their warm-up for this summer’s Copa America.
“In the second half we wanted to show that we wanted to play,” Diaz said.
“We’re building well for what’s to come…we’re always growing.” »
