Spain Record Historic 6-0 Victory over Toni Kroos’ Germany, but Sergio Ramos Leaves Match Injured

It was a top of the table clash in Group 4 of the UEFA Nations League with Spain playing host to Germany in the final matchday. For Spain, Sergio Ramos started at center back and for Germany, Toni Kroos started in the center of midfield. Marco Asension was on the bench for the hosts.

What a occurred over the 90 minutes was an absolute exhibition from Spain. They dismantled Germany and easily played through a messy and disorganized press. Morata held off defenders with ease, Ferran Torres was unplayable on the right flank (bagging a hat-trick), Koke and Rodri bossed the midfield, and Pau Torres as well as Jose Luis Gaya looked like calm and composed veteran defenders. Everything Spain touched turned to gold. Germany had not lost a game by more than 5 goals since 1954. The last time the Germans lost 6-0 was in 1931 to Austria. Spain were superior in every aspect — winning the first and second ball, astute tactical fouls, organized high press, they won nearly every 50/50 duel — it was a performance master class.

Though, it would not be all good news for Spain and Real Madrid fans. Sergio Ramos had to leave the match just before halftime after going down with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Tests are still pending to diagnose the length of time that the captain will be out, but it’s unlikely he is available for the upcoming clashes vs Villarreal and Inter Milan.

Toni Kroos ended up playing the whole 90 minutes in what was the worst defeat of his career. He was simply a passenger and the whole German midfield was overrun by Spain’s constant pressure and off ball movement. Even in what will be a match to forget, Kroos completed all of his 43 passes with 100% accuracy, had a completed dribble, and won 5 of his 7 ground duels. The German vice-captain was hardly at fault for the defeat.

Marco Asensio, who played no part in the game vs Ukraine on the weekend, did manage to get some minutes under his belt vs Germany. Asensio entered the match in the 73rd minute for Dani Olmo and managed 26 touches along the right flank. The match was well and truly over by the time Asensio stepped on the pitch, so it was mostly a training exercise for the former Mallorca man.

Attention will now turn to Sergio Ramos and his medical prognosis. With 7 important matches in the next 22 days, the loss of Sergio Ramos could be cataclysmic for Zidane and Real Madrid.