Jesus Velasco makes his debut with a prestigious victory over Portugal | Relief

Three training sessions and a friendly match helped Jesus Velasco change the image of the national team. Not only did Spain emerge victorious due to the hasty debut of a new coach introduced five days ago, but the new era was sealed with a 0-1 away win over Portugal.

This is a symbolic victory over the European champion, who is also going through a period of uncertainty in the midst of generational change. But The win over Portugal is a boost for a team in need of some joy. A team that has shed its tactical ballast and gotten rid of its inhibitions in the face of one of its black beasts.

It became clear that Spain needed fresh air. The core of the World Cup winners (Mellado, Antonio, Adolfo and Catela) are resting or recovering from injuries. The returnees and new arrivals performed brilliantly in Sines, showing clear-headed competitiveness.

Jesús Velasco’s first quintet included Chemi, very confident in goal, and Alberto at closer, Bebe at playmaker, Rivillos at left wing and Cecilio at centre-forward. The new coach’s classic 4-0 score dismantled the Portuguese defense. who saw Spain create dangerous chances with passes behind him.

All those called up played. Velasco paired the two daggers from Jaen Paraiso Interior, Chino and Dani Zurdo, on the court and combined them with the duo from El Poso Murcia Costa Calida, bringing up the rear with Ricardo and Esteban in the center. Renato then entered, and in the third rotation Bebe was accompanied by Pani, Javi Minguez and Dani Gabriel.

Short and at the foot. There was no time for fanfare in the preparations, and the order was clear. Order, move and compete without fear of failure.

Velasco wanted to avoid a physical match against Portugal, and he succeeded. In addition, the team introduced recognizable features into its playing style: verticality and aggressiveness.

The first half ended without goals. In the second period it’s time Mikel Feixas, who was the most outstanding debutant with notable performances. In the 23rd minute, after Javi Minguez’s recovery against Silvestre, Esteban kicked Edu Sousa with his right foot to make it 0–1.

Portugal were also missing some of their stars such as Ziki Te and Thomas Pasu.

Pani Varela lost a lot during his golden career in Saudi Arabia, and Jorge Braz trained such gems as Lucio Rocha, Katchi or Neves. The Portuguese coach turned to Barcelona’s Eric as a center to level the score against a very well-established Spain, where the veterans set the pace and the youth bite.

Portugal has become Spain’s misfortune. after winning the final of the European Championship in Slovenia 2018, the quarterfinals of the World Championship in Lithuania 2021 and the finalissima of Argentina 2022. This is in official matches, since the last four friendlies, in Matosinhos (2019) and Malaga (2021), were victories for Spain.

Jesus Velasco’s debut was not just a friendly match. Was a declaration of intent for the new coach, with mobility, quality and intensity as flags. Spain withstood the final onslaught of Portugal and with its victory sent a signal of change to the rest of the world.