Scotland missed their first chance to seal a Euro 2024 berth as they lost to two late goals in Spain on Thursday as the third contender in Group A, Norway, won 4-0 in Cyprus.
Elsewhere, Turkey, in their first game under Vincenzo Montella, won in Croatia to vault to the top of Group D and Albania tightened their grip on Group E with a comfortable win over the Czech Republic.
Scotland had won all five of their group games and entered Thursday's match in Seville needing one point from three matches to qualify.
Spain pressed in the first half, but Scotland had the ball in the net first when Scott McTominay swerved a second-half free-kick over Unai Simon.
The strike was disallowed after a VAR review for an offence in the goalmouth by Jack Hendry.
Scotland's John McGinn was unhappy.
"Is he going to save it? No chance," said the Aston Villa midfielder. "No goalkeeper in the world is going to save that. However, at one point he's said it's a foul, realises it isn't a foul, so changes it to offside."
Alvaro Morata converted a cross from Jesus Navas to put Spain ahead after 73 minutes and 10 minutes later, Oihan Sancet, who had come on for his international debut after 67 minutes, sealed Spain's 25th straight home Euro qualifying victory.
"Our biggest virtue was patience," said Spain midfielder Rodri. "With the minutes going by and the tiredness, space appeared."
In Larnaca, Erling Haaland scored his fifth and sixth goals of the qualifying campaign. Alexander Sorloth and Fredrik Aursnes also struck as Norway crushed Cyprus 4-0.
Spain stayed second in the group, three points behind Scotland and two ahead of Norway with a game in hand on both.
In Montella's first game, Baris Alper Yilmaz caught home goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic out of his area after 30 minutes and chipped home from long range.
Both teams had further chances in Osijek.
Croatia were held out in the closing stages by goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir and the offside flag as Turkey won 1-0.
"Turkey deserved this win," said Croatia coach Zlatko Dalic. "We were bad. We had many mistakes from the beginning. We couldn't find our game, we deservedly lost."
Turkey moved to the top of Group D, three points ahead of Croatia.
Albania stayed in control in Group E as they beat the Czech Republic 3-0 in Tirana.
The home team survived some early pressure and punished mistakes by a Czech team that played 50 minutes with 10 men.
Jasir Asani gave Albania a ninth-minute lead against the run of play.
Czech striker Mojmir Chytil was sent off in the 40th minute for a second yellow card and Taulant Seferi scored twice in the second half.
Sebastian Szymanski and Adam Buksa scored as Poland won 2-0 in the Faroe Islands to climb to second in the group, four points behind Albania but one ahead of the Czechs and Moldova.
THREE POSSIBLE REPLACEMENTS
Khalfan Mubarak
The Al Jazira playmaker has for some time been tipped for stardom within UAE football, with Quique Sanchez Flores, his former manager at Al Ahli, once labelling him a “genius”. He was only 17. Now 23, Mubarak has developed into a crafty supplier of chances, evidenced by his seven assists in six league matches this season. Still to display his class at international level, though.
Rayan Yaslam
The Al Ain attacking midfielder has become a regular starter for his club in the past 15 months. Yaslam, 23, is a tidy and intelligent player, technically proficient with an eye for opening up defences. Developed while alongside Abdulrahman in the Al Ain first-team and has progressed well since manager Zoran Mamic’s arrival. However, made his UAE debut only last December.
Ismail Matar
The Al Wahda forward is revered by teammates and a key contributor to the squad. At 35, his best days are behind him, but Matar is incredibly experienced and an example to his colleagues. His ability to cope with tournament football is a concern, though, despite Matar beginning the season well. Not a like-for-like replacement, although the system could be adjusted to suit.
Mountain%20Boy
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5