Record-Breaking Ramos and Marco Asensio Feature for Spain in Draw vs the Netherlands

Spain traveled to Amsterdam for an international friendly vs the Netherlands. Marco Asensio was a late arrival to the squad after Ansu Fati had to pull out due to injury. The Spaniard with Dutch blood was granted a starting role on the left wing in a experimental Spain line-up for Luis Enrique.

The match must have evoked special emotions for the 24-year-old, but Asensio failed to leave his mark on the game. With just over an hour played before his substitution, Asensio was reserved and timid while on the pitch. His lone impact in the final third was an early cross to Alvaro Morata in the 12th minute which just missed his former Real Madrid teammate’s head. It was performance in line with his last six consecutive starts with Real Madrid, where he has yet to produce that final end product.

Asensio may leave Amsterdam disappointed with his performances, but Sergio Ramos will leave feeling proud. The Real Madrid and Spain captain came on in the 84th minute to mark a hsitoric appearance. It was Ramos’ 176th cap for Spain, making him the joint top European with the most appearances for his country. Ramos is in good company, sharing the position with Italy’s Gigi Buffon. The next accolade is 8 games away, where Ramos can become the footballer with the most appearances for their country in all of history.

Spain’s next match is on Saturday vs Switzerland in the fifth round of the UEFA Nations League.