MATCH PREVIEW | Spain seek early Christmas celebrations

In addition to the lights, Christmas markets, and the festive decorations at Tivoli Gardens, one annual event marks the start of the Christmas season in Copenhagen is the early December transfer of the Danish royal family to the rococo Amalienborg Palace.

This year, the new Danish monarch, King Frederick X, has taken the crown following the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II. His recent ascension mirrors that of the Spanish National Team, who in 2024 rose to the top of European football, claiming both the Euros and Nations League titles. Their autumn journey to Denmark represents a chance to secure an early “Christmas present” by clinching top spot in their group.

Click here to listen to the pre-match comments from manager Luis de la Fuente and midfielder Dani Olmo.

Spain needs only a point this Friday at Parken Stadium (kick-off at 20:45 CET, live on La1 with extensive coverage from this official channel) to hold onto the top spot in their group and secure a home advantage for the quarterfinals. However, this Spain side has shown it won’t settle for anything other than victory.

Luis de la Fuente and his players have announced they’re going for a mid-November “Christmas bonus”, determined to make it happen at one of the most challenging venues in Europe. Denmark comes into this match with ten wins and one draw from their last eleven home games, including two Nations League victories coming with clean sheets.

Check Out Spain’s squad numbers for this match

Packed with talent from Europe’s top leagues, particularly the English league, Lars Knudsen’s Danish side already gave Spain a tough match in Murcia last month. Now, with the fervent Viking support in the stands at Parken stadium, Spain are set for a formidable encounter.

However, this won’t deter a rejuvenated Spanish squad, with “the family growing,” as De la Fuente put it, as he could give senior debuts to up to three players—Paredes, Casadó, and Samu—something which has only happened once this year.

Slovenian referee Rade Obrenovič will officiate the game, assisted by compatriots Jure Praprotnik and Grega Kordež running the lines.

As Spain concludes a glorious 2024, their pre-Christmas thoughts are focused on supporting those affected by the recent floods, with the motto We Play for You serving as both a call for help and a gesture of unity for those in need in the Iberian Peninsula.

This spirit of honouring and supporting the victims will be front and centre in Copenhagen, as Spain looks to bring a touch of the Christmas miracle from Hans Christian Andersen’s homeland before heading to Tenerife.