Needing a point to qualify for a second straight European Championship, a mix of steely focus, last-ditch blocks, and some Spanish profligacy kept the home side scoreless until Alvaro Morata’s ghosting run and header late in the second half.
Minutes earlier, Scott McTominay had sparked celebrations among the Scots by smashing a fantastic free-kick past Unai Simon, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR.
Scotland’s misery was compounded in the dying minutes when Spain scored a second goal on an own goal by Ryan Porteous.
Scotland, who lost captain Andy Robertson to injury in the first half, lead Group A by three points and will qualify for Euro 2024 if Norway fails to beat the in-form Spanish on Sunday.
If necessary, they can complete the task next month when they go to Georgia for their final game.
Reactions and all the drama as it unfolded
Watch clips of Scotland’s defeat to Spain.
Scotland laments the VAR shambles.
Podcast: ‘Dream night looked on when McTominay scored’
Scotland departed the pitch to a standing ovation from a large traveling crowd in Spain. This had all the makings of a legendary night, only to be peppered with the harshest of sucker punches.
Scotland’s first challenge of the evening? Accept a point or hope Norway drops the ball in Cyprus. The latter always seemed impossible – and so it proved as Norway cruised to a 4-0 victory – and the Scots’ mission was clear from the start in the searing Seville heat.
