That winning run is the most relevant part of the rivalry. The report lists the latest meeting as a 2-0 Spain victory on 1 September 2016, with David Silva scoring both goals. It also credits Silva with four of Spain’s five goals against Belgium during the 2008 and 2009 World Cup qualifiers.
The pattern is clear: Spain have repeatedly found ways to control this fixture, whether through possession, technical quality or decisive attacking moments. Belgium must prevent the game from settling into the rhythm Spain have imposed in recent meetings.
History is not entirely one-sided in major competitions. The report recalls Belgium’s 2-1 win over Spain at Euro 1980, followed by a 1-1 draw at the 1986 World Cup, when Belgium advanced on penalties. Those results underline why the head-to-head record cannot decide a knockout tie.
Belgium’s challenge is to turn the recent 13-1 aggregate against Spain into background noise. A compact defensive shape, quick transitions and greater efficiency in front of goal would offer a route beyond a record that has favoured Spain for decades.
The pressure is heavier on Belgium, who are still seeking their first major international title, while Spain arrive with the stronger recent record and the statistical weight of five straight wins. The next test is whether that dominance carries into a semifinal-level contest. If Belgium can keep the score close deep into the match, the old history may matter far less; if Spain establish control early, the latest chapter could follow the familiar script.