Three Real Madrid Players Feature in Germany vs Spain UEFA Nations League Stalemate

Germany and Spain come away with a point each after a late 94th minute goal from Jose Luis Gaya. Three Real Madrid players started in UEFA Nations League match up. Each played the whole 90 minutes: Toni Kroos (captaining Germany), Dani Carvajal, and Sergio Ramos (captaining Spain).

For Spain, Ramos played as a right center back and allowed Pau Torres, his new center back partner, to play on the left side of the center of defense. Directly to Sergio Ramos’ right was Dani Carvajal in the right full back position. Instead of competing with Jesus Navas, the two started together with the Sevilla captain playing as a traditional right winger. Spain kept a high line and looked to dominate the ball, but were extremely susceptible to the counter attack with Toni Kroos spraying passes from midfield to the pacey duo of Sane and Timo Werner. There were a number of moments where Ramos was simply beaten for pace - the high line allowed Sane and Werner to thrive.

Toni Kroos was the fulcrum to the German midfield. He was paired with Ilkay Gundogan and Julian Draxler in a midfield trio, but it was the captain who was the strongest performer of the three. Kroos’ composure in possession was key to releasing Germany on the counter attack. His 3 key passes were among the highest of the game and his ability to switch the play with 6/6 accurate long balls gave Spain nightmares in transition.

Sergio Reguilon did not have the chance to make his Spain debut, but may be called upon in the upcoming match vs Ukraine. Former Real Madrid caterano and Sevilla’s newest acquisition, Oscar Rodriguez, did have the opportunity to debut for Spain and played the final 10 minutes of the match.

Given that all three of Dani Carvajal, Sergio Ramos, and Toni Kroos played the full 90 minutes after just coming back from vacation, recovery will be vital ahead of their next matches on Sunday.