If Spain have proven one thing, it is that they are one of the most dangerous teams on the continent – even when they have ten men. The European champions had Robin Le Normand sent off in the 20th minute of their final UEFA Nations League game against Switzerland in September, but were still able to secure a 4-1 away win.

The Spaniards were already 2-0 up at the time of the dismissal and could easily have imploded after Zeki Amdouni conceded a goal. But just like at Euro 2024, Spain got stronger as they secured a big win – Fabian Ruiz and Ferran Torres ensured a comfortable result despite having to dig deep.

Spain didn’t often have to dig deep into its pockets. They were in uncharted territory as Switzerland dominated the lion’s share of the ball and had 20 shots on target, but the Spaniards’ determination did not deter them as they kept their defense stiff and waited for the moment to attack.

Now an even greater challenge is looming. Saturday’s game against Denmark will be a coronation of sorts as Spanish fans prepare to cheer on their Euro 2024-winning heroes in their first home game since lifting the trophy this summer.

Luis de la Fuente’s side are now hoping for a second Nations League title, but this time Denmark are top of their group. The Danes won two consecutive victories to start their season, scoring four unanswered goals. As things stand, they have six points to Spain’s four.

Saturday’s game is unlikely to be an easy task for Spain, against an in-form team that is thriving under new coach Lars Knudsen. The Danes look refreshed and with renewed confidence after winning 2-0 in their last two games against Switzerland and Serbia.

However, playing Spain away will be a completely different equation for Denmark and they don’t have a good record against the Spanish at all. They have beaten Spain just twice in their 16 meetings in all competitions – and you have to go back to March 1993 when they last got a win, a 1-0 win in World Cup qualifying.

The only thing that could give Denmark some confidence is that Spain is losing a number of key players to injury. They will be without star midfielder Rodri, who is out for the rest of the season after tearing his cruciate ligament. Right-back Dani Carvajal will also not be there after suffering a season-ending injury at Real Madrid.

Le Normand will miss this game due to suspension, while Nico Williams withdrew from the squad after complaints of “malaise” and was replaced by Sergio Gomez.

Captain Alvaro Morata and Euro 2024 final scorer Mikel Oyarzabal are now back in the squad, as is Alex Baena. Arsenal’s Mikel Merino and Pedro Porro were also recalled after missing the last international break.

Denmark is delighted to welcome back prolific striker Rasmus Hojlund. The Manchester United striker recently returned to action after injury and will now take charge against Spain.

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Odds Spain vs. Denmark

Odds from BetFair and updated at 9pm BST on Friday.

• Spain wins: 4/11 (-275)
• Pull: 18/5 (+360)
• Denmark wins: 7/1 (+700)

Venue: Estadio Enrique Roca de Murcia – Murcia
Time: 7:45 p.m. BST (2:45 p.m. ET), Saturday
Streaming: Fubo (US only, try for free)

Form Guide (all competitions)

Spain: WDWWW
Denmark: WWLDD

Match prediction

Spain – Denmark 3:1

Denmark are no pushovers and should be pushing Spain towards victory, but De La Fuente’s men have top quality in all areas of the pitch, even without some of their best players.

(Photo of Joselu and Lamine Yamal: Fabrice Coffrini / AFP via Getty Images)