Scotland edges Greece in tense Nations League clash
- Scotland secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Greece in Athens during the Nations League play-off.
- Scott McTominay converted a crucial penalty, and VAR overturned a late Greek penalty decision.
- Scotland joins a select group of teams that have won in Greece, taking a lead into the second leg.
In Athens, Greece, on March 20, 2025, a Nations League relegation play-off first leg took place between Greece and Scotland. The match concluded with Scotland earning a narrow 1-0 victory, securing an advantage ahead of the return leg in Glasgow. Scott McTominay was the decisive factor in the game, scoring a crucial penalty in the first half amid intense pressure from the Greek side. Greece dominated possession and created numerous scoring opportunities, registering 24 shots but only managing one on target. This inefficacy ultimately proved costly as they were unable to find the back of the net. The game was fraught with tension, notably when Greece was awarded a late penalty that could have changed the outcome in their favor. However, a VAR review overturned the decision, preserving Scotland's slim lead. Grant Hanley, the player involved in the foul, was confirmed to have been outside the penalty area when the incident occurred, allowing Scotland to breathe a sigh of relief. The match marked a significant achievement for Scotland, as they became only the fourth team to defeat Greece on home soil in the past two years, joining the ranks of England, Spain, and the Netherlands. This victory positions Scotland favorably as they aim to remain in the elite tier of the Nations League. The players, especially McTominay, displayed resilience and determination throughout the encounter, underscoring their commitment to achieving success in the tournament. Looking ahead to the second leg at Hampden Park, Scotland will be working to maintain their advantage and secure their status within the Nations League. The team's performance in Athens bodes well for their prospects; however, they must remain vigilant against a potentially stronger showing from Greece in the return match. Scotland's ability to handle Greece's pressure in the first leg will also be crucial, as the home team will be eager to overturn the deficit and fight for their place in the top-tier league. Sunday's match promises to be another exciting contest as both teams prepare for the decisive encounter.