With fans in stands, Portugal draws with Spain in friendly

With fans back in stands, Portugal and Spain drew 0-0 in a friendly on Wednesday.

Some 2,500 fans attended match that served as a test for Portuguese authorities and soccer officials to evaluate possibility of getting supporters back into stadiums amid coronavirus pandemic.

Portuguese federation filled 5% of capacity of José Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon. Fans were spread around stadium and had to sit apart from each or.

About 5,000 fans will be allowed in for national team’s Nations League match against Sweden at same stadium next Wednesday, or 10% of venue's capacity.

European Super Cup final between Bayern Munich and Sevilla in September in Budapest was first UEFA match with fans amid pandemic.

re had been high expectations surrounding duel between Cristia Ronaldo and Barcelona's teen sensation Ansu Fati, but 17-year-old Spaniard stayed on bench throughout match. Fati last month became youngest player to score for Spain in Nations League match against Ukraine.

35-year-old Ronaldo had one of best scoring chances of match in 53rd minute, striking crossbar with a powerful left-foot shot from inside area. He also missed with a header from close range just before halftime.

In 67th, Ronaldo set up a shot by Renato Sanchez that also hit crossbar. Both Ronaldo’s and Sanchez’s shots bounced near goal line after striking woodwork.

Atlético Madrid forward João Félix, who replaced Ronaldo in 73rd, nearly gave hosts win in stopp time but whiffed a shot in front of goal.

Spain coach Luis Enrique gave Adama Traoré his national team debut off bench in 62nd minute. Wolverhampton forward had been called up for matches against German and Ukraine but couldn’t play after testing positive for COVID-19.

Before match, Portuguese and Spanish soccer federations signed an agreement to boost ir joint bid for 2030 World Cup, establishing common strategies and cooperation deals between nations.

Spain hosts Switzerland on Saturday and visits Ukraine on Tuesday in Nations League. Portugal visits France on Sunday in Nations League, n hosts Sweden on Wednesday.

Im credits: AP

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