In the grand theatre of football, few teams master the art of resurrection like Spain.
Whether at the World Cup, the Euros, or even friendly matches, La Roja have produced some of the most breathtaking turnarounds in modern football.
From heartbreak to glory, these comebacks define the Spanish spirit — elegant, relentless, and unyielding.
RANKED: Top 10 Comebacks by Spain
10. Spain vs Croatia – Euro 2020 (5–3 AET)
Spain’s chaotic eight-goal thriller at Parken Stadium was a rollercoaster.
After a bizarre own goal by Pedri, Spain trailed but roared back through Sarabia, Azpilicueta, and Ferran Torres.
Croatia forced extra time with two late goals, only for Morata and Oyarzabal to seal a dramatic 5–3 win.
9. Spain vs South Africa – Confederations Cup 2009 (3–2 AET)
Down twice and with only minutes to play, Spain showed champion mentality.
Dani Güiza scored two late goals before Xabi Alonso’s free-kick clinched the win in extra time — a masterclass in belief from a golden generation just before their World Cup triumph.
8. Spain vs Nigeria – World Cup 1998 (3–2 Loss, but iconic fight)
Despite ending in defeat, Spain’s comeback attempt against Nigeria remains one of the tournament’s most emotional.
Trailing 3–2 after a late Sunday Oliseh strike, Spain’s relentless attack and refusal to give up became a turning point for the team’s modern footballing identity.
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7. Spain vs Tunisia – World Cup 2006 (3–1)
Spain were trailing 1–0 until the 70th minute before Raul and Fernando Torres changed the story completely.
The comeback not only secured progression but reignited national belief in the “new Spain” that would dominate global football for the next six years.
6. Spain vs Italy – Euro 2012 Final (4–0)
Not a comeback in scoreline, but in legacy. Spain’s emphatic 4–0 dismantling of Italy was redemption for decades of European frustration.
After being labeled “underdogs,” they responded with the most dominant final in Euro history — turning old wounds into gold.
5. Spain vs France – World Cup Qualifiers 2013 (1–0)
After losing their earlier home leg, Spain needed a win in Paris to reclaim control.
Pedro’s solitary goal symbolized Spain’s resilience and tactical rebirth — a measured, intelligent comeback not just in score, but in confidence and identity.
4. Spain vs Portugal – 2018 World Cup (3–3)
Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick overshadowed it, but Spain’s response after going behind twice was extraordinary.
Diego Costa’s brace and Nacho’s thunderbolt showed La Roja’s mental strength — a team that refused to collapse on the biggest stage.
3. Spain vs Germany – Nations League 2020 (6–0)
After a humiliating loss in the reverse fixture, Spain returned to destroy Germany in Seville.
Ferran Torres’ hat-trick and Rodri’s dominance flipped humiliation into redemption. It wasn’t just a win — it was revenge in symphony.
2. Spain vs France – Nations League Final 2021 (2–1)
Spain fell behind to a Karim Benzema strike but responded with youthful fire.
Gavi and Ferran Torres orchestrated the play before Oyarzabal’s brilliant finish turned the tide.
Although France later equalized controversially, this game marked Spain’s rebirth as a force led by a new generation.
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1. Spain vs Netherlands – World Cup 2010 (1–0, Final)
No comeback defines Spain like this.
After decades of failure, heartbreak, and near-misses, Andrés Iniesta’s extra-time goal in Johannesburg crowned their greatest resurrection — from a country mocked for “beautiful losses” to world champions.
It wasn’t just a comeback in the match; it was a comeback in history itself.
