Scotland crash to defeat against Greece and suffer Nations League relegation

Scotland have suffered relegation in the Nations League after a 3-0 home defeat to Greece saw them lose their crucial play-off tie.

The national team had a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Athens on Thursday but put in a lacklustre performance and were swept aside by an energetic Greek side.

The 3-1 aggregate defeat means Scotland have lost their League A status and will be in the second tier of the Nations League when they return to the competition next year.

Steve Clarke decided to keep faith with the side that had earned that first-leg lead, making only one change to his starting line-up as Ryan Christie returned from suspension to replace Lewis Ferguson.

The manager was hoping to make the most of home advantage and find the goal that would pile pressure on Greece and make their tasks more difficult, and Scotland were on the front foot in the opening exchanges. Che Adams appealed for a penalty after a challenge in the box, then Scott McTominay had a chance saved and then a shot that nicked off a defender and rippled the side netting.

Greece played their way into the game though, and scored with their first threatening attack after 20 minutes.

Georgios Vagiannidis burst down the right flank and cut the ball back into the Scotland box where Giannis Konstantelies was unmarked and able to guide a first-time finish past Craig Gordon from 10 yards out to level the tie.

Scotland looked to regain the lead quickly and John McGinn forced a save from Kostas Tzolakis after McTominay had sliced his initial effort.

The visitors were enjoying more of the ball though, and attacked with more energy. It paid off when they took the lead just before half-time.

Konstantinos Karetskas was the standout player of the second half in the first leg and the 17-year-old showed his quality on his first start. Konstantelias picked him out with a pass in the box and the teenager cooly lifted the ball into the top corner of the net.

Scotland came out after the break needing something to turn their way but instead found themselves trailing further almost immediately.

After just 15 seconds of play, Konstantelias pounced on a misplaced pass from Ryan Christie, played in Christos Tzolis and the winger finished cleanly to give his side a comfortable lead.

Scotland couldn’t muster a response despite a raft of changes and no little effort. The home crowd’s dissatisfaction became more vocal as the second half went on with no sign of the tie being reduced.

The final whistle confirmed Scotland’s relegation and boos from the crowd followed the players as they headed for the tunnel.