Scotland lost 2-1 to Slovenia in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday, letting an early lead slip at Hampden Park. Ryan Christie's 31st-minute opener was overturned by second-half goals from Aljosa Matko and Danijel Sturm, a result that leaves the side third in Group B1.
The defeat extends a difficult recent run, with Scotland's form now reading one win, one draw and three losses from their last five matches. Their last victory was a 2-0 win in North Macedonia just three days prior, but they could not build on that momentum back in Glasgow.
How the game unfolded
Sébastien Pocognoli's side started shakily, with Slovenia hitting the post inside four minutes. They grew into the game, however, and took the lead with a clever piece of finishing. After Jack Hendry's header struck the woodwork, the ball fell to Oliver McBurnie and then Ryan Christie, who scored with a deft backheel from close range.
Slovenia almost levelled before the break, but captain Andy Robertson produced a heroic sliding block to deny Zan Vipotnik. Scotland had a chance to double their lead early in the second half when Christie was played through, but his shot was saved by Jan Oblak.
The visitors' pressure told in the 56th minute. Danijel Sturm slipped in Aljosa Matko, who beat Luis Binks and fired past Angus Gunn. Just over a quarter of an hour later, the roles reversed, with Matko providing the assist for Sturm to slot home and complete the turnaround.
Scotland pushed for an equaliser late on. A penalty claim after a challenge on substitute Findlay Curtis was waved away following a VAR check, and Billy Gilmour sent a late free-kick over the bar.
Team news and milestones
Pocognoli made several changes, with Jack Hendry returning from suspension and Ryan Christie earning his first start under the new manager. Billy Gilmour won his 50th cap for his country, while Andy Robertson made his 101st appearance, moving to within one of equalling Kenny Dalglish's all-time record. Full details on the team selection are available on our squad page.
The result leaves Scotland on four points in the group, three behind Slovenia and four ahead of North Macedonia. Attention now turns to their next Nations League fixture, a key home match against North Macedonia on Friday, 13 November.
